Toronto Maple Leafs winger William Nylander will miss Friday’s game in Washington due to an illness, coach Craig Berube announced during his pre-game media session.
“It happened, I guess, last night,” Berube said. “I was sleeping, but he woke up and [sick] all day today, so he’s not available to play.”
Dakota Joshua, who was a healthy scratch on Wednesday, draws back into the lineup for the Leafs. Defenceman Morgan Rielly will return to the top power-play unit after the Leafs deployed a five-forward alignment on Wednesday.
When Nylander missed practice on Thursday for maintenance, Max Domi took the first reps in his spot on the second line beside John Tavares and Easton Cowan.
The Leafs are hoping Nylander, the team’s leading scorer, will be available for Saturday’s game in Pittsburgh.
“He wants to play, there’s no doubt about it,” Berube said. “If it can get through him here quick enough, we’ll see how he is tomorrow.”
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Joseph Woll gets the start against the Capitals.
Anthony Stolarz (upper body) is not on the road with the team.
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Defenceman Brandon Carlo returned to practice on Thursday. The hope is he will also take part in the next practice on Monday in Fort Lauderdale, Fla.
“Then we’re getting close,” Berube said.
Carlo has been sidelined since Nov. 13.
