The Toronto Maple Leafs will welcome the New York Islanders to Scotiabank Arena on Wednesday, September 30, 2026, at 7:30 p.m. ET. Toronto is playing its second game in as many nights after opening the season against Montréal on Tuesday, while New York is beginning its year.
The most talked-about showdown is the matchup between Gavin McKenna and Matthew Schaefer, the No. 1 selections in the 2026 and 2025 NHL Drafts. Even so, the final result may come down to Toronto’s veteran firepower and whether the Islanders can create enough offense in front of Ilya Sorokin.
Toronto’s Names to Follow
Gavin McKenna
McKenna is the rookie many Canadian fans will be eager to see. The 18-year-old forward is projected to start his NHL career next to John Tavares and William Nylander, which should give him two polished linemates capable of turning his setups into goals.
His biggest test will be how well he handles the offensive zone. If he can find pockets of space and move the puck quickly, Toronto could open up scoring chances beyond its top unit. A quiet night would not change his long-term outlook, but it would be worth watching how he adjusts.
Auston Matthews
Matthews remains the most proven finisher on Toronto’s roster. If New York spends too much energy trying to slow McKenna’s line, Matthews may get more room to operate. In a tight game, he is still the Leaf most likely to end things with one clean shot.
William Nylander
Nylander’s blend of scoring touch and playmaking makes him a central part of the Leafs’ attack. His chemistry with McKenna and Tavares could matter most if Toronto needs a late goal or wants to push the pace in transition.
New York’s Players Who Could Swing the Night
- Matthew Schaefer brings impact at both ends of the rink and can help New York move the puck out of trouble against Toronto’s pressure.
- Ilya Sorokin may be the Islanders’ biggest advantage if he starts, especially after leading the league in high-danger saves last season.
- Bo Horvat is the most established scoring threat on the roster and led the Islanders with 31 goals in 68 games last year.
Schaefer was held out of New York’s final preseason game because of an upper-body issue, so his availability and workload should be checked before puck drop. If he is active and sharp, he can make Toronto work for every entry into the offensive zone.
Sorokin has the ability to keep the Islanders in the game even if Toronto controls the shot count. Horvat, meanwhile, is the player the Leafs must track most carefully around the crease, especially if New York gets power-play chances.
Barzal’s Status Could Change the Outlook
Mathew Barzal remains a major question mark for New York. He was placed on injured non-roster status because of a knee issue, but he was still expected to travel with the team and had not been ruled out of the opener.
If Barzal plays, the Islanders gain another high-end creator who can change their attack in a hurry. If he sits, New York may have a harder time matching Toronto’s skill level across the top of the lineup.
Who Looks Slightly Better?
Toronto has a narrow edge because it is playing at home and has more proven scoring depth. Matthews gives the Leafs a reliable game-breaker, while Nylander, Tavares, and McKenna create several ways to produce offense.
That said, the scheduling spot matters. Toronto’s game the night before could leave the Islanders with a freshness advantage, and New York has a real path to an upset if Sorokin performs at a high level, Horvat finishes chances, and Schaefer helps keep the Leafs from settling in.
Pick: Maple Leafs in a tight one. That call becomes less certain if Toronto comes out flat on Tuesday or if Barzal is cleared for New York.
