Maple Leafs expect key reinforcements vs Lightning as lineup decisions come Wednesday

Coming off a disappointing quarterfinals exit at the 2026 Olympics, Sweden's William Nylander is back in Toronto practicing with the team.

Nylander returns ahead of Wednesday's game against the Tampa Bay Lightning, the team's first match since February 3rd against Edmonton.

However, the break hasn't kept absences from happening for the Leafs, as forward John Tavares is out with the flu, his status for tomorrow unknown.

Toronto is also awaiting word on Captan Auston Matthews, and if he will be joining the members of Team USA at the State of the Union tonight.

Max Domi is playing in Matthews' spot in the lineup, indicating that he is likely headed to Washington for the event, not yet back with the Leafs roster, and uncertain if he will play against Tampa Bay.

Leafs head coach Craig Berube said that Matthews is expected to play tomorrow, but did not confirm his status, as the Americans head to D.C. for the State of the Union.

Last year's SOTU ran over an hour and a half after starting just past 9:00 p.m., extending until 11:00, the longest in the history of the address.

It will remain to be seen if Matthews is indeed available vs. Tampa Bay. Toronto plays Florida Thursday on a back-to-back after the Tampa game, and then head back home for a game Saturday against Ottawa.

Though the lineup is still undetermined right now especially with Tavares out with the flu though he is expected to play, same with Matthews but that will be confirmed at some point on Wednesday once everyone is back together.

But if everyone is ready to go, then you can expect a highly motivated Matthews to lead his team and try to continue their three-game win streak that started two weeks ago and push them towards a playoff spot.

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