Mitch Marner of the Maple Leafs is dealing with a lower-body injury and is considered day-to-day. He will not be participating in Saturday’s game against the Canadiens.
Toronto Maple Leafs coach Sheldon Keefe informed the press on Saturday that forward Mitch Marner would be considered day-to-day due to a lower-body injury and would not participate in the Saturday game against the Montreal Canadiens.
Marner remained in Toronto for evaluation by team doctors. Some reporters speculate that the injury might have occurred during the second period of their Thursday match against the Boston Bruins when Marner fell after attempting a shot, although he completed the game.
In Marner’s absence, Keefe adjusted the line combinations before Saturday’s game. William Nylander and Tyler Bertuzzi were selected as wingers for Auston Matthews’ line, while John Tavares would center a line with Max Domi and Calle Jarnkrok. David Kampf would center with Matthew Knies and Bobby McMann. Additionally, Connor DeWar, the newest acquisition, would center the fourth line alongside Pontus Holmberg and Ryan Reaves, obtained for a fourth-round pick in 2026.
Marner has been having a highly productive offensive season, accumulating 25 goals and 51 assists for a total of 76 points in 62 games. Currently in his eighth NHL season, Marner has amassed 193 goals and 437 assists, totaling 630 points in 569 career games. He is on track to achieve his fourth 90-point season.
Drafted as the No. 4 overall pick in the 2015 NHL Entry Draft, Marner spent three seasons showcasing his skills with the Ontario Hockey League’s London Knights, where he recorded 96 goals and 205 assists for 301 points in 184 career games. He also won a Memorial Cup with the team in 2016.
As for the Stanley Cup favorite after the NHL Trade Deadline, opinions vary. Scott Maxwell favors the Vegas Golden Knights due to their significant roster additions, while Steven Ellis also sees them as formidable contenders. Mike Gould leans towards the Carolina Hurricanes for their strong season and additions like Jake Guentzel. Meanwhile, Matt Larkin expresses confidence in the Dallas Stars, emphasizing their balanced roster and recent acquisition of Chris Tanev.
