Maple Leafs' Nick Paul Day-to-Day, Status for Opener in Doubt
Nick Paul left Wednesday's preseason game after the first period and did not practice Thursday. Coach Jim Hiller said he is day-to-day with an undisclosed injury, and his status for Tuesday's opener is uncertain. The team placed Steven Lorentz on waivers as part of roster cuts.
Paul arrived in Toronto this summer via a trade that sent goaltender Dennis Hildeby and two mid-round picks to Tampa Bay, part of general manager John Chayka's roster reshaping. He had been penciled into the third line between Easton Cowan and Colton Sissons during camp. His production dipped sharply last season to 15 points in 51 games after three consecutive campaigns of at least 32, including a career-best 46 in 2023-24.
The injury forced lineup adjustments at Thursday's practice, with Bo Groulx sliding into Paul's spot and Zack MacEwen moving up to the fourth line. Steven Lorentz was placed on waivers as part of the roster trim. Dakota Joshua, recovering from a core injury, returned to the main practice group, offering the team some depth reassurance while Paul's status remains unresolved.
This injury could affect the Maple Leafs' opening-night performance and early-season chemistry, particularly for a newly assembled third line still building rapport. Fans and fantasy hockey managers may be directly impacted by lineup uncertainty, while the team's front office faces pressure on roster decisions. The situation may also influence betting lines and preseason expectations, though the day-to-day designation suggests the disruption could be brief if recovery progresses smoothly.