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Toronto Maple Leafs reveal their worst lineup of the season so far


PUBLICATION
Alexander Cole
December 30, 2025  (11:28)
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Dec 27, 2025; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs forward Auston Matthews (34) congratulates forward John Tavares (91) for scoring an empty net goal against the Ottawa Senators during the third period at Scotiabank Arena.
Photo credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images

With Dakota Joshua and Chris Tanev out against the New Jersey Devils, with Auston Matthews as a game-time decision, the Toronto Maple Leafs are in a jam.

Furthermore, Auston Matthews is a game-time decision, which throws an even bigger wrench in the Maple Leafs' plans. Injuries have been a problem this season, and it's something the Leafs must learn to get past.
However, it's clear that tonight's lineup against the Devils is not going to be the team's best. As the Leafs took to the ice for morning skate, the team's holes became apparent.

Toronto Maple Leafs lineup vs. the New Jersey Devils

On the first line, the Leafs are going with John Tavares, Matthew Knies, and Max Domi, while Easton Cowan, Nicolas Roy, and Nick Robertson take the second line.
Matias Maccelli, Scott Laughton, and Bobby McMann are on the third line, all while the fourth line consists of Steven Lorentz, Jacob Quillan, and Calle Jarnkrok.
Of course, this could all change if Auston Matthews comes back. If he plays tonight, we imagine Jacob Quillan is going to have to be the spare.
Knies-Tavares-Domi
Cowan-Roy-Robertson
Maccelli-Laughton-McMann
Lorentz-Quillan-Jarnkrok
Game-time decision: Matthews
Out: Joshua

Rielly-Myers
McCabe-OEL
Benoit-Stecher
Extra: Benning, Carlo
Out: Tanev

Woll
Hildeby

Whether or not the Maple Leafs are able to get a win tonight still remains to be seen, but with this predicament, it is not going to be easy.
Injuries have ravaged this season, and with the team in last place in the Atlantic Division, it doesn't appear as though things will get any easier.
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DECEMBRE 30   |   268 ANSWERS
Toronto Maple Leafs reveal their worst lineup of the season so far

Do you believe this Toronto Maple Leafs lineup can defeat the New Jersey Devils?

YES20777.2 %
NO6122.8 %
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