Facing a relentless homestand against top-tier NHL competition, Toronto Maple Leafs head coach Jim Hiller addressed the team’s glaring need for depth contributions and roster adjustments ahead of Tuesday’s matchup against the Colorado Avalanche, as Maple Leafs Hotstove reported.
The Maple Leafs face a physically demanding stretch of the schedule while dealing with notable absences on the blue line and up front. Hiller pointed out that the squad’s recent performances highlight a fundamental requirement for 20-man contributions rather than relying solely on star power.
“We just really have to be at a high level, one through 20, to give us a chance to win. We have to be there. We’re not a team, I think, that can do it with just a handful of guys,” Hiller told Maple Leafs Hotstove.
To spark secondary offense, the organization recalled Ryan Tverberg from the American Hockey League. Hiller confirmed that Tverberg will slot directly into a prominent role alongside veteran forwards John Tavares and William Nylander to establish an aggressive forecheck.
“He can be first on the forecheck.”
Hiller acknowledged the friction between the player’s competitive drive and the organization’s long-term health plan.
“I am not surprised that Chris Tanev wants to play hockey every single night. He just is a warrior. That’s been well documented,” Hiller told Maple Leafs Hotstove, noting that a collaborative staff arrived at the current protocol to protect the player.
| Player | Position | 2026-27 Cap Hit | Current Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Auston Matthews | C | $13,250,000 | Active |
| William Nylander | RW | $11,500,000 | Active |
| John Tavares | C | $4,389,280 | Active |
| Chris Tanev | D | $4,500,000 | Load Management |
| Ryan Tverberg | RW | $850,000 | Recalled from AHL |
On the injury front, the Maple Leafs continue to monitor the progress of forwards Kirill Marchenko and Colton Sissons, both listed as week-to-week, alongside Miles Wood on injured reserve. The team evaluates Jack Roslovic’s availability for Tuesday’s puck drop following a morning skate where the forward participated without reported setbacks.
“It looks like it. I haven’t talked to him since we got off the ice, but he got through it, and I didn’t see any issues,” Hiller told Maple Leafs Hotstove regarding Roslovic returning to the lineup against Colorado.
