Toronto Maple Leafs suffer major setback ahead of Winnipeg Jets clash

Toronto Maple Leafs have been dealt another untimely blow as their push for stability in a tightly contested Atlantic Division faces renewed pressure.

With injuries mounting and lineup continuity proving elusive, Toronto now heads toward a crucial matchup against the Winnipeg Jets shorthanded at a pivotal stage of the season.

Jake McCabe injury deepens Leafs’ defensive concerns

Head coach Craig Berube confirmed that defenseman Jake McCabe will miss approximately one week after sustaining a lower-body injury during Toronto’s 4-3 overtime loss to the New York Islanders.

McCabe exited in the third period and did not return, immediately raising alarm given his importance to the Leafs’ blue line.

At 32, McCabe has been one of Toronto’s most reliable defensemen in the 2025–26 campaign. He has appeared in all 41 games so far, contributing three goals and 13 assists while logging heavy minutes in key situations. His absence further stretches a defensive unit already operating under strain.

Injury list continues to grow at a critical time

McCabe joins a lengthy list of unavailable regulars that includes William Nylander, Dakota Joshua, Chris Tanev, Brandon Carlo, Brandon Mermis, and goaltender Anthony Stolarz.

Berube indicated that Tanev is still weighing surgical options related to his groin issue, while Carlo appears closest to returning after resuming practice following foot surgery.

There was modest encouragement on the injury front, with Carlo potentially in line to return as early as Tuesday against the Florida Panthers.

Nylander remains day-to-day, while Stolarz has returned to the ice but does not yet have a firm timetable for game action.

Despite those incremental positives, Toronto continues to juggle personnel changes as it searches for consistency during a challenging stretch of the schedule.

Atlantic Division pressure intensifies

The Maple Leafs currently sit last in the Atlantic Division at 19-15-7, with little separation between teams across the standings.

Even a short absence for McCabe carries significant consequences, particularly with Toronto needing points to avoid falling further behind in the playoff race.

As the Jets clash approaches, the Leafs must rely on depth contributions and disciplined defensive structure to stay competitive. Until injured regulars return, Toronto’s margin for error remains slim in a division that continues to show little mercy.