Overview
- The Maple Leafs projected Sergei Bobrovsky to start at Scotiabank Arena against the New York Rangers on Thursday, a decision that follows the team's recent practice of resting him for travel and using call-ups as backups.
- Marshall Rifai left the Maple Leafs’ morning skate early and coach Jim Hiller gave no immediate update on his availability, leaving Nick Blankenburg as the most likely replacement if Rifai is ruled out.
- Defenseman Jake McCabe was cleared to return to the lineup after leaving the Columbus game with a high-stick injury and spoke to reporters on Thursday with visible stitches above his eye.
- Second-year winger Easton Cowan stayed on the top line with Auston Matthews and Jack Roslovic after a breakout start (10 points in 11 games), reflecting the coaching staff’s growing trust in younger forwards.
- With Rangers starter Igor Shesterkin out for the season, Toronto is expected to face rookie Dylan Garand in goal, a matchup that could test Bobrovsky’s rhythm and the Leafs’ short-term defensive depth.