Maple Leafs Face Key Injuries, Roster Uncertainty Amid Struggling Season Start

The Toronto Maple Leafs are facing significant challenges early in the 2025-26 NHL season, struggling with injuries and underperformance. Key defensemen Chris Tanev and Morgan Rielly are sidelined due to upper-body and undisclosed injuries respectively, forcing the team to recall depth players like Dakota Mermis and Philippe Myers to fill the gaps. Coach Craig Berube has responded by simplifying defensive strategies and mixing up all four forward lines, including a new top line pairing Auston Matthews with Bobby McMann and William Nylander, in an effort to invigorate the offense. Goalie Cayden Primeau, acquired as a temporary backup, is expected to lose his roster spot upon Joseph Woll's return from personal leave, and young forward Easton Cowan continues to see limited playtime despite showing promise. With a 3-3-1 record and a recent two-game skid, the Maple Leafs must adjust quickly to remain competitive, emphasizing team cohesion and a collective defensive effort against skilled opponents like the Buffalo Sabres. Overall, the team is navigating a period of adversity, juggling injuries and lineup changes in hopes of reversing their early-season struggles.