NHL Player News

McMann will be held out for Wednesday's game against New Jersey due to roster management purposes.

McMann is one of several players who will sit out Wednesday's game for the Maple Leafs ahead of Friday's trade deadline. Reports ahead of the Olympic break suggested that the Oilers were interested in McMann and that Toronto was seeking a first-round pick. However, it's not yet clear whether a trade partner will ultimately materialize in the hours leading up to the deadline. It wouldn't be surprising to see McMann also sit out Thursday's matchup against the Rangers if he remains on the Toronto roster until then.

Laughton won't play Wednesday in New Jersey for roster-management reasons, per Chris Johnston of The Athletic.

Toronto is poised to be a seller ahead of Friday's trade deadline, and Laughton is among those who could move elsewhere. He has eight goals and 12 points across 43 appearances in 2025-26. If Laughton is still a member of the Maple Leafs on Thursday, he will probably be scratched again rather than play against the Rangers.

Ekman-Larsson will not be in the lineup versus New Jersey on Wednesday for roster management, Chris Johnston of The Athletic reports.

With the trade deadline looming, it seems Ekman-Larsson may have played his last game with the Maple Leafs. The blueliner has been struggling to produce in the offensive zone of late, going 13 games without a goal while producing just four helpers. Depending on where he lands, Ekman-Larsson could be a candidate for more power-play minutes.

Bussi is expected to start on the road against Vancouver on Wednesday, per Walt Ruff of the Hurricanes' official site.

Bussi has a 24-3-1 record, 2.33 GAA and .904 save percentage in 28 appearances in 2025-26. He's won his past eight outings while posting a 2.00 GAA and a .911 save percentage. Vancouver is an extremely favorable adversary. The Canucks are 2-16-4 while averaging just 2.00 goals per game across their past 22 outings.

Doughty (lower body) is slated to return for Thursday's game against the Islanders, Dennis Bernstein of The Fourth Period reports.

Doughty missed the last two games due to a lower-body injury, but he's set to return to action against the Islanders. Across 19 appearances since the start of the calendar year, he's recorded an assist, 18 PIM, 14 blocked shots, nine hits and a minus-10 rating while averaging 22:59 of ice time.

Byfield (upper body) is expected to miss Thursday's game against the Islanders, per Dennis Bernstein of The Fourth Period.

Byfield was also absent for Monday's 4-2 loss to Colorado because of the injury. He has 13 goals and 33 points across 58 appearances in the 2025-26 campaign. Kenny Connors should remain in the lineup until Byfield is ready to return. However, Byfield could be out for longer as a potential injured reserve candidate.

Lettieri scored a goal and added two assists in AHL Toronto's 7-4 win over Cleveland on Wednesday.

Lettieri picked up his first multi-point effort in seven games. He's at 12 goals, 39 points, 112 shots on net and a plus-7 rating over 44 appearances this season. He hasn't gotten a call-up to the Maple Leafs yet despite his continued strong play for the Marlies.

Moore (illness) is expected back in the lineup for Thursday's clash with the Islanders, Dennis Bernstein of The Fourth Period reports.

Moore hasn't offered much offensively of late, garnering two goals, one assist and 20 shots in his last 10 outings. Despite the lack of offensive production, Moore looks set to jump back into a second-line role alongside Alex Turcotte. At this point, Moore figures to miss the 40-point threshold for the first time in the last three years.

Groulx scored twice in AHL Toronto's 7-4 win over Cleveland on Wednesday.

Groulx has seven goals and seven assists over his last 10 games. His performance Wednesday got him to the 50-point mark for the first time in an AHL campaign, doing so in just 53 games. He hasn't made his Maple Leafs debut, but he could be a call-up candidate if the NHL team ships out some forwards before Friday's trade deadline.

Hofer will start Wednesday's road game against Seattle.

Hofer has picked up wins in each of his two starts following the Olympic break, and he'll draw the start for the third time in the Blues' four games since the layoff. He's made a pair of home starts against the Kraken this year, going 1-0-1 with a 2.46 GAA and .907 save percentage.