Columbus Blue Jackets vs Toronto Maple Leafs projected lineup November 20 2025: Complete game preview

The Toronto Maple Leafs host the Columbus Blue Jackets on Thursday, November 20, 2025, in a crucial Atlantic Division matchup where both teams are looking to gain momentum. The Maple Leafs enter this contest fresh off snapping a five-game losing streak with a 3-2 overtime victory against the St. Louis Blues, while the Blue Jackets aim to rebound from a 5-2 defeat at the hands of the Winnipeg Jets. With both teams dealing with significant injuries to key players, tonight’s projected lineups reveal several interesting adjustments that could determine the outcome at Scotiabank Arena.

This early season clash carries extra weight as both franchises navigate through challenging stretches. Toronto currently sits at 9-9-2 with 20 points, desperately needing consistency to climb the standings, while Columbus holds a slightly better record at 10-8-2 with 22 points. The injury bug has bitten the Maple Leafs particularly hard, with their superstar center and starting goaltender both sidelined. Meanwhile, the Blue Jackets continue to rely on their emerging Russian star to lead the offensive charge in what promises to be an entertaining evening of hockey.

Columbus Blue Jackets projected lineup November 20 2025

Forward combinations and key adjustments

The Blue Jackets will ice a familiar top-six configuration that has produced consistent offensive results throughout the early portion of the 2025-26 campaign. Head coach Dean Evason appears set to keep his primary scoring unit intact, featuring Miles Wood flanking veteran Sean Monahan and rising star Kent Johnson on the right side. This trio has developed impressive chemistry, with Monahan’s playmaking ability complementing Johnson’s creativity and Wood’s physical presence along the boards.

The second line presents perhaps Columbus’ most dangerous offensive threat, combining 20-year-old phenom Adam Fantilli between Russian sniper Kirill Marchenko and physical force Dmitri Voronkov. Marchenko leads the team with 22 points through 20 games, including eight goals and 14 assists, while maintaining a plus-9 rating that reflects his two-way improvement. The 24-year-old winger has evolved from a pure shooter into a complete forward, making him the player Toronto must contain tonight.

Cole Sillinger centers the third line between established veteran Charlie Coyle and grinding winger Mathieu Olivier, providing a balanced unit capable of responsible defensive play and occasional offensive contributions. The fourth line sees the return of Yegor Chinakhov after serving as a healthy scratch against Winnipeg, replacing Zach Aston-Reese alongside Luca Del Bel Belluz and Isac Lundestrom. Chinakhov’s insertion adds skill to the bottom six, though Aston-Reese’s scratch removes some veteran experience from the lineup.

Defensive pairings and goaltending situation

Columbus fields a formidable top pairing of Zach Werenski and Ivan Provorov, who average nearly 24 minutes per game and handle the most challenging matchups. Werenski’s offensive instincts combine with Provorov’s steady defensive presence to create one of the more underrated defensive duos in the Metropolitan Division. The second pairing features rookie sensation Denton Mateychuk alongside veteran Damon Severson, providing an intriguing blend of youthful energy and experienced composure.

Jake Christiansen and Dante Fabbro round out the bottom pairing, offering reliable depth that allows the coaching staff to manage minutes effectively for the top four. In goal, Jet Greaves gets the nod as the probable starter after strong recent performances, with veteran Elvis Merzlikins backing him up. The Blue Jackets benefit from relatively clean health on the defensive side, with only Erik Gudbranson’s hip injury keeping him sidelined long-term and Boone Jenner dealing with an upper-body issue.

The defensive structure emphasizes activating from the blue line, with Werenski and Mateychuk particularly encouraged to join the rush. This aggressive approach has contributed to Columbus ranking in the top ten in goals scored but has occasionally left them vulnerable to counterattacks, something the Maple Leafs’ speedy wingers will attempt to exploit throughout the contest.

Toronto Maple Leafs projected lineup November 20 2025

Forward lines and tactical changes against Blue Jackets

Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube has been forced into significant lineup shuffling due to mounting injuries, creating opportunities for younger players to assume larger roles. The top line features a dynamic trio of William Nylander and John Tavares flanking Calle Jarnkrok, who replaces Nick Robertson on the right wing. This adjustment comes after Nylander and Tavares combined for the overtime winner against St. Louis, with Tavares setting up Nylander’s slick finish that ended Toronto’s losing skid.

The second line showcases Nick Robertson moving down alongside Max Domi at center and Easton Cowan on the right side. Robertson’s placement here represents both an opportunity and a challenge for the 23-year-old forward, who has flashed tremendous potential but struggled with consistency throughout his young career. With Auston Matthews sidelined, Robertson’s offensive contributions become even more critical for a team starving for secondary scoring.

The third line features Scott Laughton returning after missing six games with an upper-body injury, centering Steven Lorentz and Dakota Joshua. Laughton’s comeback provides a significant boost to the bottom six, especially given his defensive awareness and faceoff proficiency. Having missed the first 13 games of the season with a separate lower-body injury sustained during training camp, Laughton has played just one game this season, making his durability a key storyline to monitor.

The fourth line includes Jacob Quillan between Matias Maccelli and Sammy Blais, who was scratched in Toronto’s last outing. Quillan’s continued presence in the lineup speaks to the coaching staff’s confidence in the rookie’s ability to contribute defensively while Maccelli’s speed and Blais’ physicality add different dimensions to the unit’s identity.

Defensive unit and special teams impact

Morgan Rielly and Oliver Ekman-Larsson form the top defensive pairing, logging heavy minutes in all situations and quarterbacking both power play units. Their combined experience and offensive instincts make them dangerous, particularly on the man advantage where Toronto has historically thrived. Simon Benoit and Jake McCabe comprise a physical second pairing tasked with shutting down opposing top lines and handling penalty kill responsibilities.

The third pairing features Dakota Mermis alongside Troy Stecher, with both players providing reliable depth minutes and the ability to move the puck efficiently out of the defensive zone. The absence of Chris Tanev due to an upper-body injury removes a key penalty killer and defensive stalwart, placing additional pressure on the remaining blue liners to maintain structure without support from their most trusted defender.

In goal, Joseph Woll draws the start with Dennis Hildeby backing up, while Anthony Stolarz remains sidelined with what coach Berube described as an injury “worse than we thought.” Stolarz has not resumed skating since leaving the November 11 game against Boston, and his timeline remains uncertain. Woll’s performance tonight becomes paramount, as Toronto cannot afford another extended losing streak in the competitive Atlantic Division race.

Injury implications and player availability for November 20 matchup

Significant absences shaping both rosters

The injury report heavily favors Columbus entering this contest, as the Blue Jackets report no significant current injuries beyond Gudbranson and Jenner. This clean bill of health allows coach Evason to roll four balanced lines and three established defensive pairings without concern for integrating new players or managing limited participants.

Conversely, Toronto’s injury situation has reached crisis levels, fundamentally altering their lineup construction and strategic approach. Auston Matthews remains out with a lower-body injury despite participating fully in Thursday’s morning skate, marking his fourth consecutive absence. While the team maintains optimism for a short-term return, his absence removes the league’s premier goal-scorer and a dominant two-way presence that opponents must game plan around.

The goaltending situation presents additional concerns, as Anthony Stolarz’s upper-body injury has proven more severe than initially diagnosed. Berube’s candid assessment that the injury is “worse than we thought” suggests an extended absence, leaving Toronto to rely on Woll and Hildeby for the foreseeable future. Stolarz had provided stability between the pipes, and his loss compounds the challenges created by Matthews’ absence.

Defensively, the Maple Leafs also remain without Chris Tanev’s veteran presence and penalty killing expertise, while Brandon Carlo and Nicolas Roy continue recovering from their respective injuries. The cumulative effect taxes the remaining healthy players, potentially leading to fatigue as the season progresses. Columbus must exploit these absences by attacking depth players and forcing Toronto’s depleted roster into mistakes.

Matchup analysis and what to watch for

Key individual battles determining outcome

The battle between Kirill Marchenko and Morgan Rielly presents a fascinating chess match, as Toronto’s top defenseman must contain Columbus’ most dangerous offensive weapon. Marchenko’s 22 points rank him among the league’s top producers, while his plus-9 rating demonstrates improved defensive commitment. Rielly’s ability to limit Marchenko’s time and space, particularly in the offensive zone, could dictate which team controls territorial play.

William Nylander… (snip for brevity)

Goaltending duel and defensive structure

Jet Greaves and Joseph Woll represent the future at the goaltending position for their respective franchises, and tonight’s matchup offers both young netminders an opportunity to establish themselves as reliable starters. Greaves enters with slightly better recent form and benefits from playing behind a healthier, more structured defensive corps. Woll faces the unenviable task of stealing points for an undermanned Maple Leafs squad that has struggled defensively throughout November.

The defensive systems both teams employ will be tested severely, as Columbus prefers activating defensemen in transition while Toronto relies on quick stretch passes to spring forwards for breakaway opportunities. Whichever team successfully imposes its preferred tempo and style likely emerges victorious, particularly in what projects as a closely contested low-scoring affair given the injury situations and recent defensive trends.

What it means for the playoff race

Tonight’s result carries significant implications for both teams’ early season positioning within their respective division races. A victory for Columbus would propel them further into Metropolitan Division contention while reinforcing their identity as a balanced squad capable of overcoming adversity on the road. The Blue Jackets have quietly built one of the league’s more promising young cores, and Marchenko’s emergence as a legitimate star provides hope for sustainable success beyond this season.

For Toronto, securing two points against a quality opponent while severely shorthanded would demonstrate remarkable resilience and potentially serve as a turning point in their campaign. The Maple Leafs entered this season with heightened expectations following roster improvements, yet injuries have masked the team’s true potential. A strong performance tonight, even in defeat, could build confidence for when Matthews and Stolarz return to health.

The long-term health outlook for Toronto’s injured players remains paramount, as the organization cannot afford extended absences from its franchise cornerstone or starting goaltender if it hopes to contend for a Stanley Cup this season. While short-term solutions have kept the team competitive, the roster’s current construction stretches the limits of NHL depth. Tonight’s game offers an opportunity for unsung heroes to emerge and claim larger roles moving forward, potentially altering the team’s trajectory for months to come.

As the puck drops at 7:00 PM EST from Scotiabank Arena, fans should expect an intense, hard-fought battle between two organizations at different stages of their competitive cycles. Columbus arrives with health and momentum, seeking validation as a legitimate playoff contender. Toronto comes home desperate for points and searching for identity without its superstar leader. For more analysis on previous Blue Jackets matchups, check out our Columbus Blue Jackets vs Calgary Flames projected lineup and preview for November 5, 2025. You can also read about their recent western Canada trip in our Columbus Blue Jackets at Edmonton Oilers projected lineup November 10, 2025 coverage.

The line combinations and injury situations will continue evolving as both teams navigate the grind of an 82-game season, but tonight’s matchup promises to reveal much about each franchise’s character and depth. With playoff positioning still in its infancy, early-season statement victories can resonate for months, making this seemingly ordinary November contest potentially consequential come springtime.