Toronto Maple Leafs News

The Blue Jackets snapped a four-game losing skid in their most recent contest, a 5-1 win over the Chicago Blackhawks when Merzlikins saved 27 of 28 shots (.964 SV%). The 30-year-old Merzlikins returns to the crease on Tuesday against the Dallas Stars, looking to improve his 2.94 GAA and .897 SV% through 38 games this season (20-14-4). The Blue Jackets enter Tuesday's contest as +154 home underdogs against a Stars squad with points in nine of their last 10 (8-1-1).

Marchenko's jaw broke at the beginning of February when an arrant puck hit him while he was sitting on the bench. Most players typically take six to eight weeks before returning from a broken jaw, so his presence at practice this week and activation from IR is welcoming and surprising. Before his injury, the 24-year-old Marchenko was having a breakout season, scoring 55 points (21G / 34A) in 53 games.

Marchenko's jaw broke at the beginning of February when an arrant puck hit him while he was sitting on the bench. Most players typically take six to eight weeks before returning from a broken jaw, so his presence at practice on Wednesday was welcoming and surprising. Before his injury, the 24-year-old Marchenko was having a breakout season, scoring 55 points (21G / 34A) in 53 games.

Montreal returned to practice on Tuesday from their Four Nations break without forward Michael Pezzetta after it was announced he was day-to-day with a lower-body injury. The 26-year-old has yet to record a point in 14 games played this season, while picking up a -4 plus/minus and 10 PIMs.

Stolarz has not played since December 12th due to a knee injury but has progressively ramped up practicing over the previous two weeks and will return to the crease on Thursday against the Seattle Kraken. The 30-year-old Stolarz was heavily relied upon by the Maple Leafs before his absence, posting a stellar 2.15 GAA and .927 SV% in 17 games (9-5-2). Toronto enters Thursday's contest as -157 road favorites against a Seattle team that has lost four of their last five games (1-3-1).

Stolarz has not played since December 12th due to a knee injury but has progressively ramped up practicing over the previous two weeks and will likely return to the crease on Thursday against the Seattle Kraken. The 30-year-old Stolarz was heavily relied upon by the Maple Leafs before his absence, posting a stellar 2.15 GAA and .927 SV% in 17 games (9-5-2). Toronto enters Thursday's contest as -157 road favorites against a Seattle team that has lost four of their last five games (1-3-1).

Paul exited Tuesday's 4-3 win over the Ottawa Senators in the first period due to an undisclosed ailment and will not play on Thursday. The 29-year-old Paul is averaging 16:23 time-on-ice and has 28 points (14G / 14A) in 46 games this season.

The Blue Jackets have lost two straight (0-2-0) and will hope for a better result on Thursday, with Merzlikins tending the twine against the Utah Hockey Club. Merzlikins has played well lately, posting a .919 SV% in his last eight games (5-3-0). The 30-year-old netminder has a 2.96 GAA and .894 SV% in 35 games this season (19-13-3). Columbus enters Thursday's contest as +140 home underdogs against a Utah team with points in three of their last four (1-1-2).

The Blue Jackets have lost two straight (0-2-0) and will hope for a better result on Thursday, with Merzlikins tending the twine against the Utah Hockey Club. Merzlikins has played well lately, posting a .919 SV% in his last eight games (5-3-0). The 30-year-old netminder has a 2.96 GAA and .894 SV% in 35 games this season (19-13-3). Columbus enters Thursday's contest as +140 home underdogs against a Utah team with points in three of their last four (1-1-2).

Pezzetta will be the odd-man out on Tuesday, drawing out in favour of Owen Beck. Pezzetta is yet to register a point in 14 games this season.

Ekman-Larsson exited Saturday's 4-3 win over the Edmonton Oilers after only 5:09 time-on-ice due to an undisclosed injury but appears ready to return to action on Tuesday against the Calgary Flames. The 33-year-old Ekman-Larsson is averaging 20:59 time-on-ice and has 21 points (3G / 18A) in 51 games this season.

Paul left the game after suffering the injury in the first period and was unable to return. We should get an update on his status ahead of Thursday night's rematch against the Senators.