Overview
- Coach Craig Berube said Oliver Ekman-Larsson will be a game-time decision against the Golden Knights and indicated no other injury-related lineup changes, with Brandon Carlo expected to play.
- Initial insider reports suggested Ekman-Larsson could miss time, but both he and Carlo skated Friday and were described as possibilities to dress.
- Chris Tanev remains sidelined with a groin issue that could be long term, with surgery still a possibility reported earlier this week.
- Toronto is exploring defensive reinforcements, with insiders pointing to Dougie Hamilton and Luke Schenn as options, though salary-cap space and limited trade capital present hurdles.
- Hamilton has approved the Leafs as a potential destination, but New Jersey’s circumstances and his $9 million cap hit likely necessitate third-party retention, steering Toronto toward lower-cost moves like the earlier Troy Stecher waiver claim.