Toronto Maple Leafs News

Bobrovsky saved 23 of 25 shots (.920 SV%) in the Panthers' last game before the Christmas break, an impressive 4-2 win over the Vegas Golden Knights on Saturday and will likely return to the crease on Wednesday. The sometimes-inconsistent Bobrovsky has played well over the last month, posting a .916 SV% through nine games (6-3-0). The Panthers are slight -112 road favourites against the Tampa Bay Lightning, who have won three straight, outscoring their opposition 13-6.

The move to IR opens up a roster spot for Damon Severson to be activated for Saturday's game. Blankenburg is considered day-to-day with an upper-body injury.

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.

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.

Emil Heineman will make his NHL debut on Thursday as Pezzetta will watch from the press box as a healthy scratch. Pezzetta had played four straight games for the Canadiens, recording one point (0G / 1A), three shots, and 15 hits.

David Jiricek will draw into the lineup on Thursday in favour of Blankenburg, who will be a healthy scratch. Blankenburg has played six games this season and has zero points while averaging 17:53 time-on-ice.

After not playing the last two games for the Blue Jackets, Merzlikins will return to the crease on Thursday. Merzlikins has only played three games in December but has collected a point in each, posting a 2-0-1 record and .915 SV%. The Blue Jackets are coming off a commanding 9-4 win over the Buffalo Sabres on Tuesday but are slight -101 home underdogs against a Washington Capitals team that has won two straight but played last night, a 3-2 overtime win over the New York Islanders.

Bobrovsky had the night off in the Panthers' last contest but will return to the crease on Thursday evening. In his last game, Bobrovsky had a heroic 38-save performance (.974 SV%), allowing only one goal in a 5-1 victory over the Edmonton Oilers. Through 23 games this season (14-8-1), Bobrovsky has a 2.49 GAA and .911 SV%. The Panthers are sizeable -200 home favourites against the St. Louis Blues, who were embarrassed by the Tampa Bay Lighting on Wednesday, being severely outplayed and losing 6-1.

Bobrovsky had the night off in the Panthers' last contest but will likely return to the crease on Thursday evening. In his last game, Bobrovsky had a heroic 38-save performance (.974 SV%), allowing only one goal in a 5-1 victory over the Edmonton Oilers. Through 23 games this season (14-8-1), Bobrovsky has a 2.49 GAA and .911 SV%. The Panthers are sizeable -200 home favourites against the St. Louis Blues, who were embarrassed by the Tampa Bay Lighting on Wednesday, being severely outplayed and losing 6-1.

Matthews was a late scratch and did not play on Saturday due to an illness but is expected to return for the Maple Leafs on Tuesday against the New York Rangers after being a full participant at the morning skate. Matthews is producing at an alarming rate, with 10 points (7G / 3A) during a four-game point streak.

Groulx will be the odd-man out on Monday as Leo Carlsson draws back into the Ducks' lineup. Groulx has no goals and just one assist in 20 games this season.

Lettieri will be a surprise addition to the Wild lineup after Mats Zuccarello was announced as a late scratch for Monday's game. Lettieri last played on November 30th and has just two goals and one assist in 13 games this season.

Stolarz will start for the third time this month and look for his second consecutive victory, building off a 17-save performance (.895 SV%) in a 5-2 victory over the Columbus Blue Jackets on December 10th. The 29-year-old netminder has played well when called upon this season, posting a 2.19 GAA and .914 SV% through eight games (4-2-1). The Panthers are -117 road favourites on Monday against the Calgary Flames, who have lost four of their last five (1-2-2) and will welcome back their starting goalie, Jacob Markstrom.

Tanev has not played since exiting the Flames December 11th contest against the Colorado Avalanche in the period. Tanev has been a steadying force on the blueline for the Flames this season, recording seven points (1G / 6A), 65 blocks, and 11 hits through 28 games, playing predominantly alongside Noah Hanifin on the Flames top defensive pair.

Matthews was a late scratch and did not play on Saturday due to an illness but appears to be on track to return for the Maple Leafs' next contest on Tuesday against the New York Rangers. Matthews is producing at an alarming rate, with 10 points (7G / 3A) during a four-game point streak.