The Toronto Maple Leafs' push for a playoff spot has hit a significant snag with the re-aggravation of a lower-body injury to star forward William Nylander. The team's leading scorer departed Thursday's 6-5 overtime loss to the Vegas Golden Knights after just four shifts, casting a shadow over their upcoming crucial matchups.
Injury Details and Immediate Impact
The incident occurred during the game in Las Vegas on January 16, 2026. Nylander, who had just scored a first-period goal, appeared to hurt himself during the celebration. Head coach Craig Berube confirmed the injury is related to the same lower-body issue that sidelined Nylander for six games from December 28 to January 8.
"Well, it's hard," a subdued Berube told reporters post-game. "He's back playing great and he's out again, and we'll see how long." The team expected to have a clearer update on Nylander's status following assessments on Friday.
Can the Leafs Survive Without Their Star?
Nylander's absence presents a major challenge for a team in the thick of a tight Eastern Conference wild-card race. Despite a strong recent run of 8-1-3 in their last 12 games, the Leafs remain just two points out of a playoff spot, highlighting the competitiveness of the conference.
There is a sliver of historical optimism. In the 10 games Nylander has already missed this 2025-26 season, Toronto has managed a respectable 6-2-2 record. However, there is little debate that the team operates at its highest potential when the dynamic winger is in the lineup. With 48 points (17 goals, 31 assists) in just 37 games, his offensive production is nearly irreplaceable.
Road Trip Finale and Roster Adjustments
The injury news dampens the mood as the Leafs conclude a four-game road trip. The team practiced in Las Vegas on Friday before traveling to Winnipeg to face the surging Jets on Saturday. Winnipeg has won four consecutive games, climbing out of the Western Conference basement.
In a minor piece of positive news, defenceman Simon Benoit, who missed the Vegas game with an upper-body injury, is "probably ready to go" against the Jets, according to Coach Berube.
As the regular season progresses, every game carries immense weight for Toronto. The loss of a player of Nylander's calibre amplifies the difficulty of their task, turning each contest into a must-win scenario as they fight to secure a postseason berth.
