Maple Leafs vs. Islanders: Predicted Player Lineups and Rosters for the Game on January 3rd, 2026.

The Toronto Maple Leafs are set to face off against the New York Islanders tonight at UBS Arena. Here's a look at the projected lineups for both teams.

Toronto Maple Leafs

The Maple Leafs (19-15-6) are looking to continue their winning streak. Joseph Woll is expected to start in goal, hoping for a strong performance after being pulled in his last game against Winnipeg.

Here's how the Maple Leafs are expected to line up:

  • Forwards:
    • Matias Maccelli — John Tavares — Bobby McMann
    • Mathew Knies — Auston Matthews — Max Domi
    • Steven Lorentz — Scott Laughton — Calle Jarnkrok
    • Easton Cowan — Nicolas Roy — Nicholas Robertson
  • Defense:
    • Morgan Rielly — Troy Stecher
    • Jake McCabe — Oliver Ekman-Larsson
    • Simon Benoit — Matt Benning
  • Goalies:
    • Joseph Woll
    • Dennis Hildeby

Matt Benning is expected to make his season debut, replacing Philippe Myers on the third defensive pairing. Benning was acquired by Toronto in 2024 and has been playing with the Toronto Marlies of the AHL. Bobby McMann has been moved to the first line alongside Auston Matthews and Max Domi. William Nylander remains out with a lower-body injury. Other players out injured include Anthony Stolarz, Chris Tanev, Brandon Carlo, Dakota Mermis, and Dakota Joshua. Philippe Myers and Jacob Quillan are expected to be scratched.

New York Islanders

The Islanders (22-15-4) are looking to defend their home ice.

Here's the projected lineup for the Islanders:

  • Forwards:
    • Anders Lee — Mathew Barzal – Emil Heineman
    • Maxim Shabanov — Jean-Gabriel Pageau — Maxim Tsyplakov
    • Jonathan Drouin — Calum Ritchie — Simon Holmstrom
    • Kyle MacLean — Casey Cizikas — Marc Gatcomb
  • Defense:
    • Matthew Schaefer — Ryan Pulock
    • Adam Pelech — Tony DeAngelo
    • Scott Mayfield — Cole McWard
  • Goalies:
    • David Rittich
    • Ilya Sorokin

Ilya Sorokin has been activated off injured reserve but will not start. Injured players for the Islanders include Bo Horvat, Kyle Palmieri, Alexander Romanov, and Semyon Varlamov. Anthony Duclair and Adam Boqvist are expected to be scratched.


Written By
Sanya Gupta is a dynamic voice in modern sports journalism, passionate about connecting fans with powerful stories. Her coverage blends traditional reporting with digital storytelling and creative perspectives. Known for her authenticity and enthusiasm, Sanya captures the energy and essence of live sports culture. She believes sports tell the world’s most human stories.
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