Maple Leafs Adjust Lineup After Tavares Welcomes Son in Denver Trip

The Toronto Maple Leafs adjusted their lineup plans after John Tavares returned home from a three-game road trip following the birth of his fourth child, with the team preparing to face the Colorado Avalanche in Denver. The change affected Toronto's forward combinations after a one-goal defeat against Vegas.

According to the Toronto Sun, Tavares had not missed a Maple Leafs game since the 2024-25 regular season before leaving the trip. His wife Aryne gave birth to a son named Tucker, and coach Jim Hiller confirmed the team had planned for the possibility.

Hiller discussed the newborn during practice in Las Vegas, where Toronto prepared for its next Western Conference opponent.

"A 10-pounder," said Jim Hiller, Maple Leafs coach.

Hiller explained that Tavares remained with the team during the trip until the birth became imminent.

"We’ve been aware (Tavares might leave during the three-game southwestern U.S. trip)." said Jim Hiller, Maple Leafs coach.

"But he wanted to come out and play with his team. (The birth) could’ve been any day." said Jim Hiller, Maple Leafs coach.

Toronto planned to move Nick Paul into Tavares' spot between William Nylander and Easton Cowan, while Miles Wood was called up from the Marlies as additional depth. The team was also monitoring its defensive group after Oliver Ekman-Larsson returned to practice following a late-game injury against Vegas.

The Maple Leafs were preparing for a matchup against an Avalanche team featuring Nathan MacKinnon and Cale Makar. Defenceman Jake McCabe compared MacKinnon's style to Vegas forward Jack Eichel after Toronto surrendered a 3-0 lead in a 4-3 defeat.

"(MacKinnon) is similar to Jack, they’re so good at building speed," said Jake McCabe, Maple Leafs defenceman.

McCabe added that MacKinnon's ability to generate offense from his own zone makes him difficult to defend.

"When they’re in their own end, from their own defensive zone, is almost where they’re most dangerous. You don’t see it coming, so it’s hard to close the gap and get a good stick on them." said Jake McCabe, Maple Leafs defenceman.

Nylander addressed Toronto's frequent line adjustments as Hiller searched for combinations that could create more consistency. The forward noted that he and Auston Matthews have previous experience playing together.

"Sometimes in a game you move stuff around," said William Nylander, Maple Leafs forward.

Nylander described the adjustments as part of the team's effort to find effective combinations during games.

"It can get stale in the middle of a game. I played with Matty on and off. I’ve played with John, we play depending on what’s clicking." said William Nylander, Maple Leafs forward.

Nylander also referenced his long-standing chemistry with Matthews from earlier in their careers.

"(He and Matthews) started out our careers playing together so we know we have that chemistry." said William Nylander, Maple Leafs forward.

Toronto's first five games of the season were all decided by one goal, a franchise first, while the club had won two of those contests, according to the Toronto Sun. Paul said the team needed a stronger complete performance after being outshot 21-8 in the second period against Vegas.

"We have to play a full 60 minutes," said Nick Paul, Maple Leafs forward.

Paul highlighted the need for a full-game effort after Toronto's second-period struggles against Vegas.

"That second period (outshot 21-8 by the Knights) wasn’t out best, we all know that. We’re all NHLers and can’t expect to win a game if we don’t play a full sixty" said Nick Paul, Maple Leafs forward.

The Maple Leafs were scheduled to continue their road trip against the Avalanche before finishing the trip Tuesday in Utah.