Several Maple Leafs game day updates: Matthews, Nylander, Woll, Quillan

At Thursday's morning skate, the Maple Leafs unveiled some line combinations that immediately caught attention, starting with the apparent return of Auston Matthews skating between Matthew Knies and Max Domi.

After days of game time decisions and uncertainty, Matthews appears set to return, a development that subtly but significantly alters Toronto's outlook.

That return comes with an equally notable absence. William Nylander will miss his third consecutive game after leaving Toronto's Saturday matchup against the Ottawa Senators early. Nylander logged just 8 minutes and 25 seconds before exiting that night, and he has not returned to the lineup or to practice since.

With Nylander unavailable, the Leafs are leaning into structure. John Tavares centers a second line with Matias Maccelli and Bobby McMann, while the third unit of Easton Cowan, Nicolas Roy, and Nick Robertson continues to get a real audition in meaningful minutes.

The fourth line remains Steven Lorentz, Scott Laughton, and Calle Jarnkrok, a trio trusted more for stability and energy than offense.

Rookie Jacob Quillan, who received a tremendous opportunity this week with Matthews sidelined, appears to be the lone healthy scratch up front, a reminder of how tight the margin has become for young players trying to stick and prove that they belong in the NHL.

From a fan perspective, Matthews being back is exciting, especially with how well he had been playing prior to suffering a lower-body injury. The captain has battled multiple injuries and a lot of inconsistency this season, so his recent trend of improved play offers hope.

On the back end, Morgan Rielly pairs again with Philippe Myers, while Jake McCabe skates alongside OEL. Simon Benoit and Troy Stecher round out the group, with Brandon Carlo still on injured reserve and Matt Benning scratched. It is a blue line built to help the Leafs weather the storm rather than dominate.

Joseph Woll is projected to start in goal, a clear signal that Toronto wants calm and control against a Winnipeg team that thrives on pressure and second chances. Woll's rebound control and positioning will matter against a heavy Jets forecheck.

The mystery is not who is in, but what version of the Leafs shows up. Matthews' presence raises the ceiling, but the continued absence of Nylander lowers the margin for error.

Tonight is not about answers, but direction. And quietly, this lineup suggests the Leafs believe their direction still runs through their captain, even after a decisive 4-0 win in his absence on Tuesday against the Devils.