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Leafs lineup news: Ekman-Larsson returns to practice, Haymes called up from Marlies

Originally posted on TheLeafsnation | By Arun Srinivasan | Last updated Apr 7, 2026 11:30 AM ET

Toronto Maple Leafs defenceman Oliver Ekman-Larsson returned to practice after missing Saturday’s game against the Los Angeles Kings due to injury.

Ekman-Larsson has recorded eight goals and 38 points in 73 games for the Maple Leafs. Although it’s been a nightmare season for the Maple Leafs, Ekman-Larsson has operated as the team’s best defender for large stretches of the campaign. Ekman-Larsson skated alongside William Villeneuve at Tuesday’s practice. Villeneuve hasn’t made his NHL debut and is a promising candidate from the blue line, recording three goals and 28 points in 58 games with the AHL’s Toronto Marlies.

Toronto recalled forward Luke Haymes from the Marlies on an emergency basis. Haymes has recorded 17 goals and 32 points in 63 games for the Marlies this season. The 22-year-old will be afforded an opportunity to showcase his skills at the NHL level, with the Maple Leafs looking to retool their roster heading into the 2026-27 season. Haymes signed a two-year, entry-level deal with the Maple Leafs in March 2025 after excelling for Dartmouth at the NCAA level. The Leafs Nation listed Haymes as the organization’s 10th-ranked prospect last summer, and he’s ascending through the list.

Haymes skated among the extras, per lines posted by TSN’s Mark Masters. As the Maple Leafs are officially eliminated from playoff contention, it’ll be compelling to see if head coach Craig Berube provides his new call-ups with greater playing time. Bo Groulx remains on the third line with Dakota Joshua and Nick Robertson, while Jacob Quillan centres the fourth line, flanked by Steven Lorentz and Calle Jarnkrok.

Toronto hosts the Washington Capitals on Wednesday, before taking on the New York Islanders on Thursday.