Toronto Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube is facing a welcome challenge as he reshuffles his forward lines and defensive pairings. The catalyst for this change is the impending return of star winger William Nylander, the team's top point producer, who has been activated off injured reserve.
Lineup Shuffle for Saturday's Matchup
With the Vancouver Canucks visiting Scotiabank Arena on Saturday, January 10, 2026, Berube confirmed new combinations at the morning skate. Nylander, who missed six games with a lower-body injury, is expected to slot back onto a line with captain John Tavares, with Matias Maccelli remaining on the left wing.
The most notable adjustment sees Bobby McMann moving from the top line to an energy unit. He will now skate alongside Scott Laughton and Steven Lorentz. Matthew Knies gets the promotion to the first line, joining Auston Matthews and Max Domi.
"Tough decisions, tweaking it a bit," Berube admitted to reporters. "But it's the way it goes, people go out, they come back and you have to make some changes."
Power Play Adjustments and Defensive Questions
Special teams will also see a shakeup. Nylander worked on the first power play unit during practice alongside Matthews, Knies, Maccelli, and defenceman Morgan Rielly. This pushes Tavares to the second group, a decision Berube called difficult given the unit's recent success.
"Willy's coming back, I like what Maccelli's done on it, I like Knies on the bumper," Berube explained. "It just gives us more options there."
On the blue line, defenceman Jake McCabe is a game-time decision after a week-long absence due to a lower-body injury. His potential return creates another puzzle, especially with his usual partner, Chris Tanev, out long-term with a groin issue. McCabe stated he's ready to play with anyone. "Right, left, you name it, I'll play with whomever," McCabe said.
Focus on the Present, Not the Road Trip
Despite the Canucks struggling on a five-game losing streak and sitting near the bottom of the Western Conference, Berube is adamant his team cannot look past them. The Leafs embark on a four-game road trip starting Monday in Denver, featuring a much-anticipated game in Vegas against former teammate Mitch Marner.
"I don't know how you look ahead, I really don't understand that thought process," Berube emphasized. "Tonight's the most important game we're playing. We need to initiate right away."
The Leafs enter the contest on an eight-game point streak (6-0-2), aiming to integrate their returning stars without disrupting the momentum they've carefully built.
