Maple Leafs Get Injured Players Back at Practice

Auston Matthews, William Nylander, and Oliver Ekman-Larsson still at Olympics, but other key players return

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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The Toronto Maple Leafs held their first practice since the NHL break for the 2026 Winter Olympics. Several injured players, including Dakota Joshua, Matthew Knies, and Morgan Rielly, returned to the ice, providing a boost to the team as they prepare to resume the season. The status of defenseman Chris Tanev, who has been sidelined with a groin injury, remains uncertain but he was seen skating on his own, raising hopes of a potential return.

Why it matters

The Maple Leafs are looking to make a deep playoff run this season, and the return of these injured players could be crucial to their success. The team has been dealing with a number of injuries throughout the season, and their ability to get healthy at the right time could be the difference between an early exit and a championship contender.

The details

Dakota Joshua, who has been out since suffering a kidney laceration in late December, returned to practice and took reps on the fourth line. Matthew Knies, who has been dealing with a nagging knee injury, was back on the third line, and Morgan Rielly returned after missing the last two games before the break due to an upper-body injury. The biggest surprise was the status of Chris Tanev, who was seen skating on his own and could potentially return this season, despite initial concerns that his injury might keep him out for the remainder of the year.

  • The Maple Leafs held their first practice since the NHL break for the 2026 Winter Olympics.
  • Dakota Joshua has been out since suffering a kidney laceration in a game against the Detroit Red Wings on December 28th.
  • Matthew Knies recently admitted that he was battling through a nagging knee injury for weeks.
  • Morgan Rielly missed the Maple Leafs' last two games before the break due to an upper-body injury he sustained on January 31st.
  • Chris Tanev has been sidelined with a groin injury since suffering the injury against the Red Wings on December 28th.

The players

Auston Matthews

A forward for the Toronto Maple Leafs who is currently representing Team USA at the 2026 Winter Olympics.

William Nylander

A forward for the Toronto Maple Leafs who is currently representing Sweden at the 2026 Winter Olympics.

Oliver Ekman-Larsson

A defenseman for the Toronto Maple Leafs who is currently representing Sweden at the 2026 Winter Olympics.

Dakota Joshua

A forward for the Toronto Maple Leafs who has been out since suffering a kidney laceration in a game against the Detroit Red Wings on December 28th.

Matthew Knies

A forward for the Toronto Maple Leafs who has been dealing with a nagging knee injury.

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What they’re saying

“It was great having him back out there. We'll see where he gets to. He's feeling good, ready to go, so we'll see how it goes this week.”

— Craig Berube, Head Coach, Toronto Maple Leafs (The Hockey News)

“Yeah, I feel great. I think it's in a great spot. I spent a lot of time on it, and it was a pretty valuable two weeks for me just to get the rest and the rehab and everything.”

— Matthew Knies (Sportsnet)

What’s next

The Maple Leafs will continue to monitor the progress of Chris Tanev, who was seen skating on his own, to determine if he can make a return to the lineup this season. The team will also need to integrate the returning players back into the lineup as they prepare to resume the season after the Olympic break.

The takeaway

The Maple Leafs' ability to get key injured players back on the ice is a positive sign as they look to make a deep playoff run. The team has dealt with a number of injuries throughout the season, and the return of players like Dakota Joshua, Matthew Knies, and Morgan Rielly could provide a much-needed boost as they try to overcome the absences of Auston Matthews, William Nylander, and Oliver Ekman-Larsson, who are still competing at the Olympics.