Toronto Maple Leafs News

With Toronto playing their second game in as many nights when they travel to Anaheim on Wednesday, Sheldon Keefe is opting to get a pair of fresh legs into the lineup as Pontus Holmberg will draw into the lineup in place of Robertson. It's the first time Robertson has been listed as a healthy scratch since he was recalled from the Toronto Marlies (AHL) on November 6th. Robertson has five goals and six assists in 24 games this season.

With Toronto playing their second game in as many nights when they travel to Anaheim on Wednesday, Sheldon Keefe is opting to get a pair of fresh legs into the lineup as Holmberg will draw in while Nick Robertson is expected to be a healthy scratch. Holmberg has no goals and one assist in nine games this season.

Pacioretty is returning from a second torn achilles injury but will make his Capitals' debut Wednesday as Washington takes on New Jersey at home. The 35-year-old signed a one-year, $2 million contract in the offseason after collecting three goals in five games prior to a season ending injury with Carolina in 2022-23.

With Ilya Samsonov clearing waivers and being assigned to Toronto (AHL) earlier this week, Dennis Hildeby has earned his first career NHL call-up from the Marlies. The 22-year-old was Toronto's 2022 fourth-round pick (122th overall) and had an impressive 7-5-3 record, .919 SV% and 2.20 GAA with the Marlies (AHL) in 2023-24 prior to his call up.

Johnson will sit on Friday as Cole Guttman enters the lineup in his place. Johnson has two goals and no assists in 23 games this season.

Pacioretty has been a full participant at practice the last two weeks and will make his season debut this week as he nears his return from his second Achilles surgery in less than a year, but will not play on Friday against the New York Islanders. Over the last three seasons, Pacioretty has struggled vehemently with injuries, playing only 92 total games. After recovering from his first Achilles surgery, he was only able to play five games last season before re-injuring his Achilles and forcing an abrupt end to his season. If Pacioretty can stay healthy, he could be a big boost for a Capitals team that ranks second-worst in the league offensively (2.34 GF / GP) and has the league's third-worst powerplay (12.1%).

Pacioretty has been a full participant at practice the last two weeks and is expected to make his season debut this week as he nears his return from his second Achilles surgery in less than a year. Over the last three seasons, Pacioretty has struggled vehemently with injuries, playing only 92 total games. After recovering from his first Achilles surgery, he was only able to play five games last season before re-injuring his Achilles and forcing an abrupt end to his season. If Pacioretty can stay healthy, he could be a big boost for a Capitals team that ranks second-worst in the league offensively (2.34 GF / GP) and has the league's third-worst powerplay (12.1%).

Chadwick was drafted in the sixth round (185th overall) by the Maple Leafs in the 2023 NHL Entry Draft. The 18-year-old defenseman has 24 points (7G / 17A) in 30 games with the Lethbridge Hurricanes in the Western Hockey League this season.

Lorentz will be a healthy scratch on Saturday, allowing Anton Lundell to return to the lineup after missing four games due to an illness. Lorentz has been a regular in the lineup this season, scoring three points (1G / 2A) and registering 28 hits while averaging 8:35 time-on-ice through 25 games.

Mermis will play for the first time since last Thursday as he takes the place of Daemon Hunt on the Wild blue-line. Mermis has two goals and three assists in 15 games this season.