Maple Leafs Shut Down 3 Players for Remainder of Season

Injuries continue to plague Toronto as they look to finish the year strong.

Apr. 11, 2026 at 11:22pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a hockey game in abstract shapes and planes of blue, white, and red, capturing the fragmented nature of the Maple Leafs' injury-plagued season.The Maple Leafs' injury woes have forced the team to rely on its prospect pipeline, providing a glimpse of the future as the season winds down.NYC Today

The Toronto Maple Leafs have shut down three players - defenseman Brandon Carlo, forward Dakota Joshua, and goaltender Anthony Stolarz - for the remainder of the regular season due to injuries sustained in a recent loss to the Washington Capitals. This latest Maple Leafs injury update provides opportunities for rookies William Villeneuve and Luke Haymes to make their NHL debuts and audition for future roster spots.

Why it matters

The Maple Leafs have dealt with a rash of injuries all season long, which has taken a toll on their performance and playoff positioning. Giving younger players a chance to prove themselves in the final games could help the organization identify potential long-term solutions as they look to retool for next season.

The details

Stolarz's injury came early in the Capitals game when he collapsed on the ice after making a routine save. Carlo and Joshua also went down in that contest. While the team did not provide timelines for their recoveries, the Leafs have decided to shut all three players down for the remainder of the regular season to allow them time to heal up for next year.

  • On April 5, the Maple Leafs lost 4-0 to the Washington Capitals.
  • Stolarz, Carlo, and Joshua were all injured in that game against the Capitals.

The players

Brandon Carlo

A defenseman for the Toronto Maple Leafs who has been shut down for the rest of the season due to injury.

Dakota Joshua

A forward for the Toronto Maple Leafs who has been shut down for the rest of the season due to injury.

Anthony Stolarz

The goaltender for the Toronto Maple Leafs who has been shut down for the rest of the season due to injury.

William Villeneuve

A rookie defenseman for the Toronto Maple Leafs who will make his NHL debut in the team's next game.

Luke Haymes

A 22-year-old rookie forward for the Toronto Maple Leafs who will get his second NHL game after making his debut earlier this week.

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What they’re saying

“The injury situation will provide rookie William Villeneuve an opportunity to draw into the lineup on Saturday night.”

— Chris Johnston, Insider

“Having players like Haymes and Villeneuve stand out in this season's final games could allow the team to forego questionable trades and build from within.”

— Chris Johnston, Insider

What’s next

The Maple Leafs will look to the final games of the season as an opportunity to evaluate their younger players like Villeneuve and Haymes, who will get increased playing time due to the latest injury update.

The takeaway

The Maple Leafs' injury-plagued season has forced them to turn to their prospect pool, providing valuable NHL experience for young players like Villeneuve and Haymes. While the losses of Carlo, Joshua, and Stolarz are setbacks, these final games could help Toronto identify potential long-term solutions as they look to retool for next season.