The Toronto Maple Leafs are close to getting one of their most important pieces back in time for a Canadian tilt.
Forward William Nylander was seen skating at Friday’s practice in Vancouver ahead of a showdown against the Canucks on Saturday (Sportsnet, 7:30 p.m. ET / 4:30 p.m. PT) and took rushes on his usual spot on the second line.
After practice, head coach Craig Berube told reporters that “there’s a good chance he’ll be in tomorrow,” and Nylander said that he’ll be good to go for the game against Vancouver.
Nylander skated alongside centre John Tavares and left winger Matias Maccelli. He also took part in Thursday’s practice, but didn’t suit up for the game against the Seattle Kraken later that day.
“I hadn’t skated 100 per cent before the Seattle game. I was able to skate 100 per cent yesterday in that morning skate, so just seeing how that feels after a day,” Nylander said, when asked about the decision not to suit up against the Kraken.
Nylander has been out of the lineup since he injured his groin on Jan. 15. The Seattle game will be his seventh game missed.
Despite the injury, Nylander continues to lead the Maple Leafs in scoring, with 48 points (17 goals, 31 assists) in just 37 games.
“You’re talking about one of the best wingers in the game, and his ability to make something happen at any moment, the ultimate gamebreaker and certainly just a driver for us,” Tavares said of the impact his linemate brings should he return to the squad. “No doubt, if he’s back, it’ll be a big boost for the team.
Additionally, defenceman Marshall Rifai — who was recalled from the AHL on Wednesday — slotted into Simon Benoit’s usual spot on the third defensive pairing alongside Troy Stecher.
Rifai, 27, has yet to suit up with the Leafs this season and hasn’t skated with the senior club since the 2023-24 campaign. He has four assists in 12 games with the Toronto Marlies this season.
The Maple Leafs, losers of six straight, sit at the bottom of the Atlantic Division with a 24-21-9 record, while the Canucks sit last in the NHL at 18-31-5.
