Today's NHL Lineups and Starting Goalies: October 29, 2025

With a lighter NHL slate today, fantasy hockey managers have a unique opportunity to maximize every roster spot. The Maple Leafs and Blue Jackets headline tonight's action, and with several lineup tweaks, goalie rotations, and injury concerns, getting your start/sit decisions right could be the difference between winning and losing your matchup. Here’s a breakdown of what’s new, what it means for your fantasy squad, and the actionable moves to make before puck drop.

What’s New & Why It Matters

The Maple Leafs are rolling out their top offensive weapons, with Auston Matthews anchoring the first line and William Nylander riding shotgun. Meanwhile, Matias Maccelli is getting a look alongside John Tavares on the second line—a potential spark for secondary scoring. On the other side, the Blue Jackets are turning to Elvis Merzlikins in net after Jet Greaves’ appearance last night, while Toronto may counter with Cayden Primeau, who could be auditioning for a larger role if he performs well. Injuries are also in play: Scott Laughton and Chris Tanev are out for Toronto, and Erik Gudbranson is sidelined for Columbus, impacting defensive depth and special teams usage. These lineup shifts open up opportunities for emerging players and create volatility in power-play assignments and matchup dynamics.

Fantasy Implications

Points-Only

Matthews is an automatic start in every format, but especially in points leagues where his even-strength and power-play exposure make him a multi-point threat. Matias Maccelli’s promotion to the second line puts him in a prime spot to pick up assists and secondary points, particularly if he gets any power-play time. Keep an eye on who fills in for the injured Tanev on the Leafs’ blue line, as increased minutes could translate into more offensive chances for a depth defender.

Categories / Bangers

Erik Gudbranson’s absence removes a reliable source of hits and blocks from the streaming pool, making it wise to pivot to other physical defensemen. Merzlikins, expected to start for Columbus, is a strong play for saves and possibly wins, given Toronto’s high-event style. If Primeau gets the nod for the Leafs, he’s a high-risk, high-reward option in deeper leagues or for those chasing goalie categories. With Laughton out, look for Toronto’s bottom-six to see a slight uptick in ice time—and potentially in hits and PIMs.

Dynasty / Keeper

Cayden Primeau’s potential start is a key watch in dynasty circles; if he impresses, he could carve out a larger share of the crease going forward. Maccelli, still young and trending up, is worth monitoring for a long-term role in Toronto’s top-six, especially if he sticks with Tavares. The Gudbranson injury is a reminder to avoid over-investing in older, physical defensemen for multi-year builds.

Who to Add / Stream / Watch

Matias Maccelli – Elevated to Toronto’s second line, he’s a solid points-only stream.
Cayden Primeau – Worth a speculative add if he starts and impresses for the Leafs.
Elvis Merzlikins – A strong categories play for saves and potential win against high-octane Toronto.
John Tavares – Quietly consistent, and with new linemates, could spike in production.
William Nylander – Locked on the top line, he’s a great short-term points/cats option.
Adam Boqvist – Could see expanded power-play usage with Gudbranson out for Columbus.
Nick Robertson – If he slides into a scoring role due to injuries, he’s a deep-league flier.

Fantasy Takeaways

Start your studs: Matthews is an automatic in all formats, and Nylander/Tavares are close behind given their line assignments and matchup upside.
Goalie confidence: Merzlikins is the safer play, but if Primeau starts, he’s a high-upside gamble for those needing a goalie start.
Monitor PP1 auditions: Maccelli and Boqvist are both candidates for increased power-play time—watch for pregame reports and early shifts.
Schedule and matchup edge: With only one game, streaming from Toronto/Columbus is a viable way to squeeze extra games played this week.
Injury pivots: With Gudbranson out, shift to other banger D-men; Laughton’s absence could mean more minutes for Leafs’ depth.

Source: NHL.com (2025-10-29). See the original for full details.