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Auston Matthews and William Nylander of the Toronto Maple Leafs (Jess Starr/The Hockey Writers)

Maple Leafs News & Rumours: Ekblad, Stolarz, Robertson & Jarnkrok

Originally posted on The Hockey Writers | By The Old Prof | Last updated Mar 13, 2025 12:35 PM ET

Tonight could be intense. The Florida Panthers come into town to take on the Toronto Maple Leafs in a crucial divisional matchup. Both teams are locked in a tight race for first place in the Atlantic Division, with the Panthers leading the way with 83 points in 65 games, while the Maple Leafs trail closely behind with 81 points in 64 games.

Item 1: Panthers Face Challenge Without Ekblad on Road Trip

The Panthers will be without defenseman Aaron Ekblad. He was suspended for 20 games because he failed a performance-enhancing drug test. In his place, the Panthers will put in newcomer Seth Jones, who came over at the trade deadline from the Chicago Blackhawks. Jones will likely jump into a more significant role that includes power-play time to help fill the void left by Ekblad.

Florida is in the middle of a six-game road trip, and both teams enter this high-stakes game wanting a win. Although their last game was a disappointment against the Boston Bruins, the Panthers are coming off a dominant stretch. They had shut out their opponents in two straight games and outscored them 12-1 over their last four. Now, they’ll look to get back to that kind of dominant play in tonight’s game in Toronto. By the way, for those anxious to see Brad Marchand play in a new (not brown) sweater, it would seem tonight is not his night. He’s still healing from an injury.

Item 2: Who to Watch Tonight – Key Players for the Maple Leafs

Tonight’s game against the Panthers should be exciting, and there are a few key players Maple Leafs fans should watch. Foremost, Auston Matthews is on a bit of a goal-scoring drought. He needs to get off the schneid and find the back of the net. Although he scored in the shootout, he didn’t get a point in his last game against the Utah Hockey Club. While he’s been racking up assists, his goal-scoring has been quieter than usual, making tonight a prime chance for him to start building momentum.

Mitch Marner is on a roll, extending his point streak to seven games (five goals, four assists). He has stepped up in key moments. During the Maple Leafs’ shootout win against Utah, he too scored in the shootout to help the Maple Leafs snap a three-game losing streak.

William Nylander is another player to watch. He’s been a consistent producer for the Blue & White and is riding a six-game point streak (three goals, five assists). His steady offense will be key in helping his team continue its push for the top spot in the Atlantic Division.

In net, Anthony Stolarz will be getting the start for tonight’s game. Can he put up a solid performance against his old team? If he can keep the Panthers at bay, it bodes well for Toronto in this tilt tonight.

Item 3: Nicholas Robertson to Be Scratched Again Against Florida

It looks like Nicholas Robertson will be scratched again for tonight’s game. Based on Wednesday’s practice lines, after being healthy scratched on Monday for the first time since Jan. 7, Robertson could find himself in the press box again. Head coach Craig Berube injected Calle Jarnkrok into the lineup on Monday, opting for more defensive support on the second line. The result? Robertson sat. Despite this, Berube quickly noted that it was simply a lineup change and not a reflection of Robertson’s play.

With a physical game tonight against Florida, Berube is expected to roll out the same lineup that helped the team break its three-game losing streak on Monday. Jarnkrok has pushed Bobby McMann to the third line, where he will remain alongside Scott Laughton and Max Domi. As for Robertson, his return to the lineup could depend on how the team fares tonight. If they struggle against the Panthers, Berube may look to Robertson for Saturday’s game against the tough Ottawa Senators to add some offensive spark into the lineup.

What’s Next for the Maple Leafs?

The Maple Leafs are heading into a crucial stretch as they kick off a four-game homestand. Despite struggles holding leads, the Maple Leafs snapped a three-game losing streak with a 4-3 shootout win over Utah on Monday. However, their 7-4 loss to the Colorado Avalanche on Saturday, where they gave up a 4-3 lead in the third period, suggests ongoing issues. Toronto must tighten up defensively to push for the Atlantic Division’s top spot.

Fortunately, the Maple Leafs have been solid on the road, finishing a 13-game stretch with a 9-3-1 record. With a chance to gain ground at home, they’ll look to build some consistency. Tonight’s game against the Panthers offers a key opportunity. Florida will be eager to rebound after a tough loss to the Bruins. The winner moves up in its Atlantic Division positioning, and that’s worth working hard for.