{"id":478014,"date":"2025-11-17T21:39:42","date_gmt":"2025-11-18T02:39:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/?p=478014"},"modified":"2025-11-17T21:40:08","modified_gmt":"2025-11-18T02:40:08","slug":"toronto-maple-leafs-injury-list-keeps-growing","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/2025\/11\/17\/toronto-maple-leafs-injury-list-keeps-growing\/","title":{"rendered":"The Toronto Maple Leafs Injury List Keeps Getting Longer"},"content":{"rendered":"<p data-start=\"231\" data-end=\"750\">The Toronto Maple Leafs received another blow on Tuesday as forward <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/r\/royni01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2025-11-17_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Nicolas Roy<\/a> was placed on injured reserve. The 27-year-old centre suffered an upper-body injury during practice. Moreover, this means adding yet another key absence to an already battered roster. He now joins a <a  href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nhl\/team\/injuries\/_\/name\/tor\/toronto-maple-leafs\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">crowded IR list<\/a> that includes <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/m\/matthau01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2025-11-17_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Auston Matthews<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/s\/stolaan01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2025-11-17_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Anthony Stolarz<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/t\/tanevch01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2025-11-17_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Chris Tanev<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/l\/laughsc01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2025-11-17_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Scott Laughton<\/a>, and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/c\/carlobr01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2025-11-17_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Brandon Carlo<\/a>. For a team already struggling to stay afloat, Roy\u2019s loss compounds the lineup instability the Leafs have been fighting through for weeks. As of now, there is no official timeline for Roy\u2019s return, and the Leafs will need to navigate yet another critical hole down the middle.<\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-width=\"550\" data-dnt=\"true\">\n<p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">Nic Roy is the Latest To Join the Leafs Injury List <a  href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/6TPfB2H6Sr\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">pic.twitter.com\/6TPfB2H6Sr<\/a><\/p>\n<p>&mdash; The Hockey Podcast Network (@Hockeypodnet) <a  href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/Hockeypodnet\/status\/1990575064962793547?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">November 18, 2025<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><\/p>\n<h2 data-start=\"900\" data-end=\"940\"><strong data-start=\"903\" data-end=\"940\">Nicolas Roy\u2019s Recent Play and Rising Role<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"942\" data-end=\"1234\">Roy was coming off one of his strongest performances of the season, logging a season-high 19:45 of ice time in Saturday\u2019s tight 3\u20132 loss to the Chicago Blackhawks. His usage has steadily increased as Toronto has dealt with significant injuries throughout the lineup, especially at centre.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"1236\" data-end=\"1502\">Not only has Roy been relied on as a steady two-way presence, but he has also been a key contributor on the penalty kill and in late-game defensive situations. Losing him removes one of the Leafs\u2019 most reliable depth options at a time when reliability is scarce.<\/p>\n<p>In response to Roy\u2019s injury, the Maple Leafs have recalled <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/q\/quillja01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2025-11-17_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Jacob Quillan<\/a> from the Toronto Marlies. In 14 AHL games this season, Quillan has produced two goals and 12 assists for 14 points. With this effort, he is showcasing playmaking potential and strong transition abilities. He also appeared in one NHL game last season, giving the Leafs some familiarity with his game as he steps into a large opportunity.<\/p>\n<h2 data-start=\"1504\" data-end=\"1899\">What Roy\u2019s Absence vs Blues Means for the Lineup<\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"1954\" data-end=\"2216\">With Roy sidelined, <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/2025\/10\/28\/head-coach-craig-berube-impact-toronto-maple-leafs-new-identity\/\" target=\"_self\">Toronto\u2019s lineup<\/a> will once again enter what can only be described as \u201c<em>blender mode<\/em>.\u201d The Leafs are missing multiple key contributors. Furthermore, head coach <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/b\/berubcr01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2025-11-17_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Craig Berube<\/a> will need to find combinations that can generate chemistry on short notice.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"2218\" data-end=\"2589\">One of the biggest challenges created by Roy\u2019s absence is the sudden lack of a dependable third-line centre. That role is likely to fall to Jacob Quillan. His two-way instincts and passing ability make him a natural fit. He is expected to centre a line with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/m\/mcmanbo02.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2025-11-17_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Bobby McMann<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/m\/maccema01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2025-11-17_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Matias Maccelli<\/a>, two players who can benefit from Quillan\u2019s puck distribution.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"2591\" data-end=\"2938\">Additionally, Roy\u2019s penalty killing responsibilities will need to be redistributed. Expect players like <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/l\/lorenst01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2025-11-17_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Steven Lorentz<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/j\/jarnkca01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2025-11-17_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Calle J\u00e4rnkrok<\/a>, and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/n\/nylanwi01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2025-11-17_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">William Nylander<\/a> to take on expanded special teams roles. Toronto\u2019s PK has struggled at times this season, and losing Roy only increases the pressure on an already depleted unit.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"2940\" data-end=\"3085\">Facing a physical St. Louis Blues team, the Leafs will need their remaining centres to be sharp defensively. They will need to remember to be disciplined with puck management.<\/p>\n<h2 data-start=\"3092\" data-end=\"3146\"><strong data-start=\"3095\" data-end=\"3146\">Projected Maple Leafs Lines\u00a0<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"3148\" data-end=\"3279\"><strong data-start=\"3148\" data-end=\"3160\">Forwards<\/strong><br data-start=\"3160\" data-end=\"3163\" \/>Robertson \u2013 Tavares \u2013 <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/2025\/10\/27\/william-nylander-engine-toronto-maple-leafs-offence\/\" target=\"_self\">Nylander<\/a><br data-start=\"3193\" data-end=\"3196\" \/>Knies \u2013 Domi \u2013 Cowan<br data-start=\"3216\" data-end=\"3219\" \/>Maccelli \u2013 Quillian \u2013 <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/2025\/11\/07\/bobby-mcmann-toronto-maple-leafs-lineup-role\/\" target=\"_self\">McMann<\/a><br data-start=\"3247\" data-end=\"3250\" \/>Joshua \u2013 Lorentz \u2013 J\u00e4rnkrok<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"3281\" data-end=\"3346\"><strong data-start=\"3281\" data-end=\"3292\">Defence<\/strong><br data-start=\"3292\" data-end=\"3295\" \/>Rielly \u2013 OEL<br data-start=\"3307\" data-end=\"3310\" \/>Benoit \u2013 McCabe<br data-start=\"3325\" data-end=\"3328\" \/>Mermis \u2013 Stecher<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"3348\" data-end=\"3382\"><strong data-start=\"3348\" data-end=\"3363\">Goaltenders<\/strong><br data-start=\"3363\" data-end=\"3366\" \/>Woll<br data-start=\"3370\" data-end=\"3373\" \/>Hildeby<\/p>\n<article class=\"text-token-text-primary w-full focus:outline-none [--shadow-height:45px] has-data-writing-block:pointer-events-none has-data-writing-block:-mt-(--shadow-height) has-data-writing-block:pt-(--shadow-height) [&amp;:has([data-writing-block])&gt;*]:pointer-events-auto [content-visibility:auto] supports-[content-visibility:auto]:[contain-intrinsic-size:auto_100lvh] scroll-mt-[calc(var(--header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]\" dir=\"auto\" data-turn-id=\"request-6876f3b7-6aa8-8012-9542-55fb2328741d-0\" data-testid=\"conversation-turn-536\" data-scroll-anchor=\"true\" data-turn=\"assistant\">\n<div class=\"text-base my-auto mx-auto pb-10 [--thread-content-margin:--spacing(4)] thread-sm:[--thread-content-margin:--spacing(6)] thread-lg:[--thread-content-margin:--spacing(16)] px-(--thread-content-margin)\">\n<div class=\"[--thread-content-max-width:40rem] thread-lg:[--thread-content-max-width:48rem] mx-auto max-w-(--thread-content-max-width) flex-1 group\/turn-messages focus-visible:outline-hidden relative flex w-full min-w-0 flex-col agent-turn\">\n<div class=\"flex max-w-full flex-col grow\">\n<div class=\"min-h-8 text-message relative flex w-full flex-col items-end gap-2 text-start break-words whitespace-normal [.text-message+&amp;]:mt-1\" dir=\"auto\" data-message-author-role=\"assistant\" data-message-id=\"6f141b8f-2019-4f98-bff3-d24984ac312f\" data-message-model-slug=\"gpt-5-1\">\n<div class=\"flex w-full flex-col gap-1 empty:hidden first:pt-[1px]\">\n<div class=\"markdown prose dark:prose-invert w-full break-words dark markdown-new-styling\">\n<h2 data-start=\"3389\" data-end=\"3410\"><strong data-start=\"3392\" data-end=\"3410\">Final Thoughts<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"3412\" data-end=\"3690\">The Maple Leafs are entering one of their most challenging stretches of the season, and losing Nicolas Roy only deepens the adversity they face. With another key player out, Toronto will need to rely heavily on call-ups, depth pieces, and strong goaltending to stay competitive.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"3692\" data-end=\"3860\" data-is-last-node=\"\" data-is-only-node=\"\">Nicolas Roy is out in the matchup of the Toronto Maple Leafs vs the<a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/2025\/11\/08\/nhl-predictions-november-8-seattle-kraken-st-louis-blues\/\" target=\"_self\">\u00a0St. Louis Blues<\/a>. It is sure to test the Leafs\u2019 resilience and offer players like Jacob Quillan a golden opportunity to prove they belong at the NHL level.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"3692\" data-end=\"3860\" data-is-last-node=\"\" data-is-only-node=\"\">Main Photo Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The Toronto Maple Leafs received another blow on Tuesday as forward Nicolas Roy was placed on injured reserve. The 27-year-old centre suffered an upper-body injury during practice. Moreover, this means adding yet another key absence to an already battered roster. He now joins a crowded IR list that includes Auston Matthews, Anthony Stolarz, Chris Tanev, [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":5672,"featured_media":478026,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_lmt_disableupdate":"no","_lmt_disable":"","sfio_featured_image":false,"sfio_embed_code":"","_ef_editorial_meta_date_first-draft-date":"","_ef_editorial_meta_paragraph_assignment":"","_ef_editorial_meta_checkbox_needs-photo":"","_ef_editorial_meta_number_word-count":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[18,4547,6671,34,4548],"tags":[2279],"class_list":["post-478014","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-leafs","category-hockey","category-injuries","category-news","category-nhl","tag-nicolas-roy"],"modified_by":"Levi Pike, Editor","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/478014","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/5672"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=478014"}],"version-history":[{"count":7,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/478014\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":478028,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/478014\/revisions\/478028"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/478026"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=478014"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=478014"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=478014"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}