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Maple Leafs’ William Nylander day-to-day, out vs. Red Wings, Easton Cowan re-enters lineup

Originally posted on TheLeafsnation | By Arun Srinivasan | Last updated Dec 28, 2025 5:01 PM ET

Toronto Maple Leafs forward William Nylander is listed as day-to-day with a lower-body injury, and will not play in Sunday’s game against the Detroit Red Wings, head coach Craig Berube confirmed via David Alter of The Hockey News.

Easton Cowan will re-enter the lineup in Nylander’s no place, with no other lineup changes.

Nylander left Saturday’s game against the Ottawa Senators during the second period and did not return. After the game, Berube confirmed Nylander would make the trip to Detroit, but his status would be re-evaluated.

It’s a tough loss for the Maple Leafs, as Nylander leads the team in scoring with with 14 goals and 41 points in 33 games. Toronto’s star winger left Saturday’s game shortly after this incident:

Nylander hasn't been on the bench for some time

this seems to be the issue pic.twitter.com/CTRLa0y70P

— Omar (@TicTacTOmar) December 28, 2025

Nylander was mired in a month-long scoring slump, before exploding against the Pittsburgh Penguins on December 23 with a two-goal, four-point performance.

It’s just not going in, that’s the way it is. I don’t know if I’ve felt like this before, or had a stretch like this. I’m not sure, I don’t feel like I’ve had that in the NHL, at least,” Nylander said following a 5-1 loss to the Dallas Stars on December 21.

Cowan is now afforded another chance to remain in the lineup, and he’s been one of the Leafs’ most impactful players during his rookie season. The 20-year-old has posted four goals and 11 points in 26 games. Cowan was rendered a healthy scratch for the Maple Leafs’ past three games, a decision that drew criticism from fans and analysts alike.

“The conversations with him (have been) we won last game, just be patient,” Berube said of Cowan, prior to Saturday’s game. “But we definitely do not want him sitting out too long. That’s not good for his growth. I think he helps us. I think he’s a good player and he’s only gonna get better.”

Toronto will look to continue its winning streak, against an Atlantic-leading Detroit side, powered by star defenceman Moritz Seider.

This article first appeared on TheLeafsnation and was syndicated with permission.

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