Maple Leafs lose top scorer William Nylander at last minute vs. Capitals

Nylander has been electric so far this season, piling up 31 points in 20 games with 11 goals and 20 assists, and showing all the tools that made him one of the top forwards in the league.

The Leafs signed him to an eight-year, $92 million extension in January of 2024 to lock down a cornerstone piece, and he has absolutely delivered this season.

Head coach Craig Berube confirmed the surprise scratch before puck drop. The illness is not related to the maintenance that kept Nylander off the ice yesterday, making this development entirely unexpected.

In his place, the 10-10-3 Maple Leafs will feature Dakota Joshua stepping in after sitting as a healthy scratch last game. Meanwhile, goaltender Joseph Woll gets the start between the pipes.

It's a big ask to have players like Joshua or other role player forwards to fill the void left by Nylander's creativity and scoring touch coming out of the lineup. Still, players love receiving opportunities, and perhaps someone will capitalize in Nylander's absence.

The Leafs managed to win a recent game without Nylander, showing glimpses of growing internal depth. But tonight vs a tough Capitals club, Toronto will need more than glimpses of excellence - they need someone to step up and cover for not just a scorer, but a primary play-driver who plays a feature role on the power play.

The timing stings. Nylander has been central to Toronto's offense and their identity this season. Losing him for one game may not wreck the night, but it gives the rest of the roster a tall order. If the Leafs want to stay competitive in a tight Eastern Conference, they'll have to respond fast.

Let's see whether Joshua and company can rise to the challenge, and if Woll can give the team a chance between the pipes. Fans will be watching closely what this lineup looks like when the final buzzer sounds.