Maple Leafs Announce Pair of Late Changes Ahead of Matchup With Blackhawks

Not only are the Leafs in the middle of a disastrous four-game losing streak, but they are also dealing with a number of injuries to some key players. Now, there's another name to add to the list.

Auston Matthews, Scott Laughton, Chris Tanev and Anthony Stolarz all missed Thursday's game with various injuries. On Friday, both Matthew Knies and Brandon Carlo were absent from practice for what the team called "maintenance".

Knies is scheduled to play tonight against the Blackhawks, but the Leafs announced just hours before puck drop that Brandon Carlo would not suit up, meaning that his absence on Friday was more than just routine maintenance.

Carlo is reportedly dealing with a lower-body injury and is "day-to-day", according to Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman. Carlo's injury means that both, Philippe Myers and Dakota Mermis will be in the lineup for the Leafs tonight.

While Carlo won't play Saturday night, the Leafs confirmed Joseph Woll will make his long-awaited season debut.

The former third-round pick took a personal leave of absence from the team to deal with a family matter.

Woll had been skating with the Leafs for a few weeks, before completing a conditioning stint with the Toronto Marlies earlier this week.

While Dennis Hildeby has performed well, the Leafs and their fans are happy to see Woll back between the pipes. Hopefully, Woll will be able to provide a little more stability and calmness to the team as they look to snap their skid against the Hawks.