Maple Leafs' Auston Matthews a game-time decision vs. Devils, Chris Tanev and Dakota Joshua out

The injury bug has taken another bite out of the Maple Leafs.

The Leafs announced on Tuesday morning — hours before their final game of the 2025 calendar year — that defenceman Chris Tanev (lower body) and winger Dakota Joshua (upper body) will not play against the New Jersey Devils on Tuesday night at Scotiabank Arena.

As if losing a top D-man and industrious forward wasn’t enough as the Leafs fight for their playoff lives, the status of captain Auston Matthews will be a game-time decision.

Matthews, who was in pain after blocking a shot on Sunday in Detroit against the Red Wings, is dealing with a lower-body issue.

As a result of the latest injuries, the Leafs recalled forward Jacob Quillan and defenceman Matt Benning from the Toronto Marlies.

William Nylander, who is day to day with a lower-body injury, did not take part in the morning skate. The Leafs’ leading scorer has missed one game after suffering the injury on Saturday against the Ottawa Senators.

Defenceman Brandon Carlo (foot) took part in most of the skate before departing.

The Leafs also are without goalie Anthony Stolarz (upper body) and depth defenceman Dakota Mermis (lower body).

The Leafs go into the game against Sheldon Keefe and the Devils with 40 points, tied with the Columbus Blue Jackets for last in the Eastern Conference. Toronto is four points out of the second wildcard and six points shy of third place in the Atlantic Division.

With the lineup changes, this is how the Leafs looked on Tuesday morning:

FORWARDS

Matthew Knies-John Tavares-Max Domi

Matias Maccelli-Scott Laughton-Bobby McMann

Easton Cowan-Nicolas Roy-Nick Robertson

Steven Lorentz-Jacob Quillan-Calle Jarnkrok

DEFENCE

Jake McCabe-Oliver Ekman-Larsson

Morgan Rielly-Philippe Myers

Simon Benoit-Troy Stecher

GOAL

Joseph Woll

Dennis Hildeby

More to come …

tkoshan@postmedia.com

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