The Toronto Maple Leafs are facing a significant test of their depth and resilience as they navigate a season plagued by injuries. As of November 19, 2025, the team is currently without seven regular players, raising concerns about their ability to maintain a competitive edge in the tough Eastern Conference.
The latest blow to the Maple Leafs' lineup is Matthew Knies, who is day-to-day with a lower-body injury. Knies' absence comes at an unfortunate time, as he has been a consistent presence in the lineup, recording five goals and 22 points in 19 games. His injury was revealed shortly before a game against the St. Louis Blues, adding to the team's woes.
Adding to the challenges, captain Auston Matthews is also sidelined with a lower-body injury sustained during a game against the Boston Bruins on November 11. Matthews, who has nine goals and five assists in 17 games this season, has not skated since the injury. Coach Craig Berube initially indicated that Matthews would likely miss about a week, with a potential return on November 22 against the Montreal Canadiens, but that is not confirmed.
The Maple Leafs' injury list also includes defenseman Chris Tanev, who has been placed on long-term injured reserve after being stretchered off the ice following a collision in a game against the Philadelphia Flyers on November 1. Tanev had previously been on injured reserve earlier in the season due to an upper-body injury. Other players currently on injured reserve include defenseman Brandon Carlo (lower-body), center Scott Laughton (upper-body), and goalie Anthony Stolarz (upper-body). Nicolas Roy is also out with an upper-body injury. Marshall Rifai is on long-term injured reserve following wrist surgery.
Despite the mounting injuries, the Maple Leafs managed to snap a five-game losing streak with a 3-2 overtime win against the St. Louis Blues on November 18. William Nylander scored the decisive goal, showcasing the team's ability to find contributions from other players. Coach Craig Berube has emphasized a "next man up" mentality, stressing the importance of players stepping up to fill the void left by the injured regulars. General Manager Brad Treliving echoed this sentiment, saying that injuries are inevitable and that every player wants more opportunity.
The Maple Leafs' ability to weather this storm will depend on several factors. The performance of their secondary players will be crucial in maintaining a competitive level. Goaltending depth will also be tested with Stolarz out, requiring Dennis Hildeby to step up. The team's defensive structure will need to remain solid in the absence of key defensemen like Tanev and Carlo.
The team's current record stands at 8-9-2, placing them second-last in the Atlantic Division. With a challenging schedule ahead, the Maple Leafs will need to rely on their depth and resilience to stay afloat until their injured players return. The next few weeks will be a defining period for the team as they strive to overcome adversity and maintain their playoff aspirations.
