Maple Leafs Trim Their Roster

The Toronto Maple Leafs have reduced their training camp roster by 27 players. They previously placed Cole McWard and Dakota Mermis on waivers for reassignment to the AHL’s Toronto Marlies on Wednesday.

Borya Valis, Brandon Buhr, Hayes Hundley, and Vinny Borgesi have also been reassigned to the Marlies. On Thursday, Toronto placed Steven Lorentz on waivers. Joining Lorentz on waivers are Brendan Brisson, Henrik Rybinski, Marshall Rifai, Michael Pezzetta, Philippe Myers, Ryan Tverberg, and Vinni Lettieri. All eight players will report to the AHL’s Toronto Marlies if they clear waivers on Friday.

The Maple Leafs also sent 14 players to the Marlies training camp, including Marlies captain Logan Shaw, Marc Johnstone, and Timofei Obvintsev. Four players (Adam Kydd, Joe Miller, Matt Hellickson, and Max Smolinski) were sent to the ECHL’s Cincinnati Cyclones.

Toronto also returned Alexander Bilecki (Kitchener Rangers), Harry Nansi (Owen Sound Attack), and Tyler Hopkins (Guelph Storm) to the Ontario Hockey League.

Maple Leafs Trim Training Camp Roster

It’s been a condensed training camp, but the Maple Leafs are close to finalizing their opening-night roster ahead of Tuesday’s season opener against the Montreal Canadiens.

Gavin McKenna, the 2026 first overall pick, is expected to start his rookie season on a line with John Tavares and William Nylander, his primary linemates during training camp.

“It’s felt like it’s been a long wait,” McKenna said of his impending season debut, following Monday’s morning skate. “So, for it to finally be here, it’s starting to get pretty real, and I’m excited. I’ve got a lot of family coming, and friends. I don’t get to play in front of my family a whole lot, so for them to be here for my first game, it’s pretty special to do it at an organization like this.”

Other Training Camp News

Forward Nick Paul is listed as day-to-day with an undisclosed injury, head coach Jim Hiller confirmed Thursday. Hiller did not provide any further specifics regarding Paul’s injury. He said he was unsure if Paul would be in the opening night lineup Tuesday against the Montreal Canadiens. Paul left Wednesday’s preseason game against the Ottawa Senators during the second period and did not return.

“He just goes out there, and he does his job,” Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews said of Paul, following Thursday’s practice. “He works extremely hard, and he keeps things light and keeps things fun as well. But definitely a guy that you really enjoy having on your side.”

Dakota Joshua returned to practice with the Maple Leafs main group as the 13th forward. Joshua was previously listed as day-to-day with a core injury. Bo Groulx replaced Paul on the team’s third line, while Zack MacEwen was added to the fourth line. Groulx and MacEwen are fighting to earn a full-time roster spot.