Leafs practice notes: Nylander looks set to return, Rifai set to make season debut against Canucks

William Nylander rode with the main group ahead of Toronto’s game in Seattle on Thursday morning, but remained an extra forward as he worked his way back from a lower-body injury suffered on Jan. 15 against the Vegas Golden Knights. During Friday’s training he was again on the second line next to John Tavares and Matias Maccelli. Nylander has missed more games in 2025-26 than any other year in his career outside of 2018-19, when he held out until Dec. 1 due to a contract dispute. The Leafs suffered greatly from his absence. They went 1-5-1 in seven games without him, putting a huge dent in their playoff hopes.

Marshall Rifai, who was recently activated from injured reserve, appears to be in line to make his season debut. The 27-year-old defenseman has primarily been a mainstay with the Toronto Marlies, but it appears he belongs in the limited NHL action he has seen over the past two and a half seasons. He brings some spice to his game and will be a fresh face in a lineup that has been unable to find success over the past week and a half.

In the wake of Nylander and Rifai’s return to the lineup, Easton Cowan appears to be in line for Saturday’s game against the Canucks up front, while Simon Benoit will take a seat at the back. Cowan has struggled lately, with just one assist and a minus-4 rating in the past five games. In all fairness, the entire team has struggled, but usually the draw in these situations goes to the veteran led by a head coach like Craig Berube, so it’s no surprise he was the one to take the seat.

The Maple Leafs have three games remaining before the Olympic break, with a road trip through Western Canada to conclude pre-Olympic activities.

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