Panthers visit Maple Leafs for final road game of 2025-26

Meaningful game for upcoming draft lottery as both teams have 78 points

Apr. 11, 2026 at 6:35pm

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting a hockey game between the Florida Panthers and Toronto Maple Leafs, with the players and arena elements broken down into sharp, overlapping planes of color.The final road game of the season for the Panthers and Maple Leafs takes on an abstract, cubist form as both teams look to the future through the draft lottery.Sunrise Today

The Florida Panthers will play their final road game of the 2025-26 season when they face off against the Toronto Maple Leafs at Scotiabank Arena on Saturday. With both teams sitting at 78 points in the standings and out of playoff contention, the game holds significance for the upcoming draft lottery. The Panthers are coming off a 5-1 loss to the Ottawa Senators, while the Maple Leafs will be looking to bounce back from their own struggles this season.

Why it matters

This late-season matchup between the Panthers and Maple Leafs holds importance as both teams jockey for position in the upcoming draft lottery. With the playoffs out of reach, the focus shifts to building for the future through the draft, making this game crucial for their respective rebuilding efforts.

The details

The Panthers will be relying on a youthful lineup, with defensemen Marek Alscher and Ludvig Jansson making their NHL debuts in the loss to the Senators. Wilmer Skoog, recalled from the AHL, could also make his debut for the Panthers. Meanwhile, the Maple Leafs will be giving 24-year-old defenseman William Villeneuve his first NHL start. In net, the Panthers will turn to Daniil Tarasov, while the Maple Leafs will start Joseph Woll.

  • The Panthers and Maple Leafs will face off on Saturday, April 11, 2026 at 7 p.m. ET.
  • The Panthers are coming off a 5-1 loss to the Ottawa Senators on Thursday, April 9, 2026.

The players

Marek Alscher

A Panthers defenseman who made his NHL debut in the loss to the Senators.

Ludvig Jansson

A Panthers defenseman who also made his NHL debut in the loss to the Senators.

Wilmer Skoog

A Panthers forward recalled from the AHL who could make his NHL debut against the Maple Leafs.

William Villeneuve

A Maple Leafs defenseman who will be making his NHL debut in this game.

Joseph Woll

The Maple Leafs' starting goaltender, who has gone 15-15-7 with a 3.31 goals-against average and .901 save percentage this season.

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What they’re saying

“I was very happy with their game. When we bring young guys in, what we ask them to do is show us what they're good at and not worry about the rest. We're not really worried about systems, mistakes or reads that are off. We can fix that. I thought both did a good job.”

— Paul Maurice, Panthers Head Coach

“Toronto is the center of hockey. It's always exciting coming here.”

— Mike Benning, Panthers Defenseman

“If Skoog Dog gets in tonight, he's earned it. He's been one of our fittest athletes at camp. He's had an incredible year in Charlotte. We would've called him up earlier had he not been injured. There's lots of youthful enthusiasm for both teams.”

— Paul Maurice, Panthers Head Coach

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This late-season matchup between the Panthers and Maple Leafs, both out of playoff contention, highlights the importance of the upcoming draft lottery as both teams look to rebuild through the draft. The game will feature several NHL debuts, adding an extra layer of excitement and intrigue for fans.