Toronto Maple Leafs News

After playing two straight games, Groulx was a healthy scratch in the last two for the Ducks but will re-enter the lineup on Thursday. The 23-year-old has one point (0G / 1A) while averaging 12:44 time-on-ice through 22 games this season.

Knies left practice early on Wednesday after suffering an apparent leg injury but appears no worse for wear and will suit up for the Maple Leafs on Thursday. On Tuesday, Knies played 15:16 time-on-ice and recorded one assist, his first point in six games.

Bobrovsky had the night off on Tuesday, but it was no issue for the Panthers as they won their eighth straight game in a convincing 5-1 victory over the St. Louis Blues. The red-hot Panthers have excelled regardless of who is between the pipes lately, but Bobrovsky has been especially impressive, allowing fewer than three goals in four of his last six games (6-0-0), posting a .920 SV%. The Panthers are -136 home favourites against a struggling Los Angeles Kings team riding a six-game losing streak (0-4-2).

Bobrovsky had the night off on Tuesday, but it was no issue for the Panthers as they won their eighth straight game in a convincing 5-1 victory over the St. Louis Blues. The red-hot Panthers have excelled regardless of who is between the pipes lately, but Bobrovsky has been especially impressive, allowing fewer than three goals in four of his last six games (6-0-0), posting a .920 SV%. The Panthers are -136 home favourites against a struggling Los Angeles Kings team riding a six-game losing streak (0-4-2).

Knies left practice early on Wednesday after suffering an apparent leg injury but appears no worse for wear and could be an option for the Maple Leafs on Thursday. On Tuesday, Knies played 15:16 time-on-ice and recorded one assist, his first point in six games.

Knis left practice early on Wednesday after suffering an apparent leg injury. There is still no update on how this might affect his availability going forward. On Wednesday, Knies played 15:16 time-on-ice and recorded one assist, his first point in six games.

Stolarz will start for the Panthers in a battle of backups as the St. Louis Blues will turn to Joel Hofer between the pipes. The Panthers are among the league's hottest teams, riding a season-best seven-game winning streak, and are -185 road favourites against a Blues club that has scored only three combined goals over their last two games despite winning both contests. Stolarz last played on December 20th, saving 18 of 19 shots (.947 SV%) in a 4-1 win over the Montreal Canadiens and has allowed fewer than three goals in each of his last three stars (2-1-0).

After ongoing contract negotiations, Nylander and the Maple Leafs have agreed to terms on an eight-year, $92 million contract extension ($11.5 AAV). The 27-year-old Nylander has steadily seen his production increase in the last three seasons, arguably being the Maple Leafs' most dynamic player at times, and is currently pacing for a career-best 120-point season. With Nylander locked up long-term, the Maple Leafs guarantee they will have Nylander and Auston Matthews on their roster through the end of the 2027-28 season, while John Tavares and Mitch Marner have contracts that expire at the end of 2024-25.

Bobrovsky will search for his fifth straight win when he returns to the crease on Thursday evening. The 35-year-old Bobrovsky is playing his best hockey of the season, posting a .930 SV% over his last six games (5-1-0). The Panthers, winners of five straight, are slight -115 road favourites over a Vegas Golden Knights team they defeated 4-2 less than two weeks ago.

MacEwen played the last two games for the Senators, making his impact felt, scoring one goal, firing two shots on goal, registering five hits, and 12 penalty minutes. He will be out of the lineup due to an illness on Thursday as Angus Crookshank and Jiri Smejkal are both expected to draw back in.

Groulx will make his first appearance since December 17th as the Ducks deal with a mix of illnesses and injuries. He is yet to score a goal and has just one assist in 20 games this season.

Lettieri played on 7:04 time-on-ice on Saturday, suffering a lower-body injury, and did not play on Sunday. He has now been placed on IR and will miss at least one week. In 19 games with Minnesota, Lettieri has four points (3G / 1A), 26 shots, and 21 hits.

The Panthers will look for their fifth straight win as Bobrovsky will return to the crease after having the night off in their last contest on Saturday. Bobrovsky has been stellar lately, allowing three or fewer goals in five straight games (4-1-0), posting a terrific .927 SV%. The 35-year-old Bobrovsky has not allowed more than four goals since the second game of the season and has a 2.50 GAA and .911 SV% thus far in the 2023-24 campaign. The Panthers are -160 road favourites against the Arizona Coyotes, coming off a 2-0 shutout victory over the Anaheim Ducks.