Predators open first road trip of 2026-27 in Toronto

The Nashville Predators begin their first road trip of the season tonight in Toronto, facing the Maple Leafs and 2026 No. 1 pick Gavin McKenna at Scotiabank Arena. Puck drop is 6 p.m. CT.

Anthony Stolarz will start in goal for Toronto, coach Jim Hiller told reporters at Tuesday's morning skate, according to Sportsnet. The Leafs have alternated starters: Sergei Bobrovsky played their first and third games, while Stolarz stopped 26 shots in a 2-1 win over the Islanders on Sept. 30.

McKenna enters his fourth NHL game seeking his first point. He has put three shots on goal and averaged 14:32 of ice time through Toronto’s first three games. McKenna said after Tuesday’s optional skate that he remained confident despite the attention on his scoreless start, Sportsnet reported. He has reviewed his shifts with associate coach Daniel Alfredsson and discussed games with linemate John Tavares, while Mats Sundin and his teammates have offered advice on handling the scrutiny.

The Maple Leafs are 1-2-0, with William Nylander, Easton Cowan and Morgan Rielly each on three points. Nylander has two goals and an assist, Cowan a goal and two assists, and Rielly three assists.

It is the first of three games in eastern Canada for Nashville, and the first of two meetings with Toronto this season. The Leafs visit Bridgestone Arena in February.

The Predators lost their season opener to Minnesota on Thursday, then beat the Dallas Stars 2-1 on Saturday. Power-play goals from Steven Stamkos and Nils Hoglander made the difference. Juuse Saros stopped 29 shots. Stamkos's goal was No. 625 of his career, tying him with Joe Sakic and Jarome Iginla for 17th all-time.

Nashville placed Justus Annunen on injured reserve on Oct. 6 and recalled goaltender Matt Murray from Milwaukee, the club announced. NHL.com reported that Annunen has an undisclosed injury and that Murray is expected to back up Juuse Saros in Toronto. Annunen has not played this season.

Forward Vitali Pinchuk, recalled Sunday, also skated and has yet to make his NHL debut. Nashville made no changes to its lines or defence pairs in practice. Defenceman William Trudeau made his NHL debut against Dallas, and Jack Ahcan made his Predators debut.

Alex Kerfoot said the trip would give Nashville’s new players time together and provide a test against three teams with playoff ambitions.

History in this building has not favoured the visitors. Nashville is 0-5-0 in its last five meetings at Scotiabank Arena, and 17-16-(1)-2 all-time against Toronto. Stamkos, a Markham, Ont., native, has 68 points in 56 games against his hometown team.