- Nick Paul is day-to-day with an undisclosed injury, head coach Jim Hiller confirmed Thursday
- The Leafs forward left Wednesday’s preseason finale after the first period and didn’t return
- Read below for what Auston Matthews said about his new linemate
Nick Paul left Wednesday’s preseason finale against the Ottawa Senators after the first period, and the Toronto Maple Leafs still don’t know if he’ll play on opening night.
Head coach Jim Hiller told reporters Thursday that Paul is considered day-to-day with an undisclosed injury, and he’s unsure if the forward will be ready for Tuesday’s regular-season opener against the Montreal Canadiens, per Arun Srinivasan of The Leafs Nation. Here’s Srinivasan’s report from the rink:
Paul didn’t join the team on the ice Thursday. Dakota Joshua did, returning to the main practice group after being sidelined with a core injury of his own. Watch the update on both players:
Toronto brought Paul in this summer as part of new general manager John Chayka’s roster overhaul, acquiring him from the Lightning in a trade that sent goalie Dennis Hildeby and two mid-round picks to Tampa Bay. He’d been skating on the third line between Easton Cowan and Colton Sissons through camp.
Auston Matthews was asked about his new linemate after Thursday’s practice and had no shortage of praise.
“He just goes out there and he does his job,” Matthews said. “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.”
Last season was a down one by Paul’s standards: 15 points in 51 games, a drop from three straight years of at least 32 points, including a career-high 46 in 2023-24.
Steven Lorentz drew a corresponding move, placed on waivers Thursday as Toronto trims its roster before Tuesday’s opener. Bo Groulx moved onto the third line in Paul’s spot at practice, with Zack MacEwen bumped up to the fourth line.
