The Toronto Maple Leafs will try to continue their push up the standings without their leading point-scorer.
William Nylander has been ruled out for Toronto's game against the Winnipeg Jets with a lower-body injury, head coach Craig Berube told reporters on Saturday.
The 29-year-old is also unlikely to play in Monday’s game against the Minnesota Wild, Berube added.
Meanwhile, Dennis Hildeby will start in net and forward Calle Järnkrok will draw into the lineup against the Jets while defenceman Simon Benoit remains out.
Nylander's status was initially unclear after the injury, as he was listed as doubtful and Berube told reporters on Friday that the team did not yet know if it was a short- or long-term issue.
The star forward left Toronto's game against the Vegas Golden Knights on Thursday after less than three minutes of ice time. He exited to the locker room before the opening frame was over, but it was unclear how the injury occurred.
After scoring a goal midway through the first, Nylander did appear to stumble while celebrating near the boards, but he stayed in the game for a few more shifts.
Following his two-point outing on Thursday before being ruled out, Nylander now has 17 goals and 31 assists on the year through 37 appearances.
Nylander returned from a six-game absence because of a lower-body injury on Jan. 10.
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