Sheldon Keefe Returns to Toronto as Devils Face Maple Leafs

TORONTO, Ont. – The New Jersey Devils (26-15-5) face the Toronto Maple Leafs (27-16-2) tonight in a highly anticipated matchup, marking head coach Sheldon Keefe’s first return to Toronto since being relieved of his duties last season. Puck drop is set for 7:08 p.m. ET at Scotiabank Arena, with the game broadcast on MSGSN2 and the Devils Hockey Network.

Keefe, who coached the Maple Leafs from 2019 to 2024, downplayed the significance of his return. “It’s great to see some familiar faces and say hi to everyone,” Keefe said. “I don’t want to make it bigger than it is. Ultimately, it is just a hockey game. The players will determine the outcome on the ice on both sides.”

The Devils are dealing with a flu bug affecting several players, including forward Stefan Noesen, who will miss his second straight game. Forward Brian Halonen was recalled from the American Hockey League and joined the team for the morning skate. “We’ve got some illness stuff going on,” Keefe said. “These sorts of things are touch and go. Halonen gives us an additional option, and we’ll see where we’re at tonight.”

Toronto, meanwhile, will be without captain John Tavares, who suffered a lower-body injury in practice and is out week-to-week. Defenseman Jake McCabe returns to the lineup after missing four games with an upper-body injury. “It’s always tough when you lose a guy like John or anyone on our team,” forward Max Domi said. “It’s got to be a next man up mentality.”

The Devils are led by Jack Hughes, who has 52 points this season, including six in his last five games. Jesper Bratt, who recently broke a nine-game goalless streak, remains a key offensive threat. Goaltender Jacob Markstrom ranks third in the NHL with a 2.15 goals-against average, anchoring the Devils’ defense.

Toronto’s offense is powered by Mitch Marner, who ranks fifth in the NHL with 60 points, and Auston Matthews, who has 32 points in 30 games despite missing 15 games due to injuries. The Maple Leafs’ goaltending tandem of Joseph Woll and Anthony Stolarz has been a strength, though Stolarz is currently injured.

The Devils are looking to bounce back from a 1-4-1 road trip, while the Maple Leafs aim to snap a three-game losing streak. Toronto currently leads the Atlantic Division by one point over Florida.

“They have good speed,” McCabe said of the Devils. “Hughes and Bratt stand out as threats off the rush. We have to make sure we’re defending as a five-man unit, taking away time and space.”

Tonight’s game is the final regular-season meeting between the two teams, with the Devils seeking their first win against Toronto this season.