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Maple Leafs reveal makeshift lineup without John Tavares

With Tavares out, will McKenna get a chance to get more ice time.

By Spencer Lazary · Editor in Leaf

Published: Saturday, 17 October 2026 at 5:40 PM

Key Things to Know

John Tavares is sidelined week-to-week with a lower-body injury, leaving Toronto with a makeshift forward lineup.
Auston Matthews, Nick Paul, Colton Sissons, and Teddy Blueger are projected as Toronto's four centers against the Islanders.
Gavin McKenna is expected to remain in the lineup after being limited to just 6:36 of ice time last game.

The Story in 60 Seconds

The Toronto Maple Leafs announced that center John Tavares is out week-to-week due to a lower-body injury ahead of their home game against the New York Islanders. Tavares' absence leaves a major gap down the middle, forcing head coach Jim Hiller to deploy an altered forward group featuring Auston Matthews, Nick Paul, Colton Sissons, and Teddy Blueger at center.

The spotlight also turns to young forward Gavin McKenna, who played only 6:36 in Toronto's previous game after being benched. Writer Spencer Lazary argues that Hiller should use Tavares' injury as an opportunity to grant McKenna increased ice time, including potential minutes on the top power-play unit.

Read the full article on Editor in Leaf

Maple Leafs reveal makeshift lineup without John Tavares

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