Both clubs enter the Oct. 22 showdown with notable absences, making the projected lineups a crucial clue to how the contest may unfold.
Key points
- The Rangers enter the game without their starting goaltender Igor Shesterkin, who is sidelined with a lower‑body injury.
- Maple Leafs defenseman Marshall Rifai’s availability is unclear after an early‑skate issue, potentially opening a spot for Nick Blankenburg.
- Both squads have scratched players (Scott Morrow, Matt Rempe for NY; Nick Blankenburg, Bo Groulx for Toronto) that could affect depth options.
The New York Rangers (7‑3‑1) travel to Toronto to face the Maple Leafs (5‑4‑2) at 7 p.m. ET on Oct. 22, 2026, with NHL.com providing a projected roster for each side.
The Rangers are expected to field a forward trio of Gabe Perreault, Mika Zibanejad and Alexis Lafrenière, supported by Tye Kartye, J.T. Miller and Pavel Dorofeyev on the second line. Their defense corps lists Will Cuylle, Noah Laba, Eeli Tolvanen, Oliver Björkstrand, Justin Dowling and Taylor Raddysh, while Vladislav Gavrikov, Adam Fox, Marcus Pettersson, Sean Durzi, Alberts Smits, Braden Schneider, Dylan Garand and Spencer Martin round out the blue‑line. The Rangers have scratched Scott Morrow and Matt Rempe, and goaltender Igor Shesterkin (lower‑body) and backup Joonas Korpisalo (lower‑body) are listed as injured.
Projected Rangers lineup and health concerns
Toronto’s projected forward group features Easton Cowan, Auston Matthews and Jack Roslovic, with Kirill Marchenko, Nick Paul and William Nylander on the second line. The third line pairs Gavin McKenna, Colton Sissons and Vinnie Lettieri, while Brandon Duhaime, Teddy Blueger and Zack MacEwen complete the forward depth. On defense, Morgan Rielly, Troy Stecher, Jake McCabe, Darren Raddysh, Marshall Rifai and Oliver Ekman‑Larsson are listed, with Sergei Bobrovsky and Anthony Stolarz in net. The Leafs have scratched Nick Blankenburg and Bo Groulx, and report injuries to Dakota Joshua (core), Max Domi (undisclosed), Chris Tanev (upper‑body) and John Tavares (lower‑body).
A notable status note from the Rangers is that Sean Durzi is cleared to play after blocking a shot near his wrist in a recent 5‑2 win over Anaheim. For Toronto, coach Jim Hiller said defenseman Marshall Rifai left the morning skate early and is “dealing with something,” leaving his availability uncertain; if he cannot suit up, Nick Blankenburg would replace him on the blue line.
Maple Leafs roster outlook and uncertainties
With both teams carrying several injuries and scratched players, the projected lineups highlight the depth each club must rely on to stay competitive in the early season stretch.
Reader questions
What time does the Rangers vs. Maple Leafs game start?
The matchup is scheduled for a 7 p.m. ET tip‑off on October 22, 2026.
Who is listed as injured for the Rangers?
Goaltenders Igor Shesterkin and Joonas Korpisalo are both listed with lower‑body injuries.
Is there any indication of who will start in goal for Toronto?
The source lists Sergei Bobrovsky and Anthony Stolarz as the goaltenders, but does not specify which will start.
Source: nhl.com
