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The Columbus Blue Jackets head north to face off against a Toronto Maple Leafs team that’s looking to stabilize after a few uneven outings, and the stakes couldn’t feel higher for both squads. Welcome back to NHL Predictions with us here at Last Word On Hockey. The Leafs come into this game with a 9–9–2 record, ending their five-game losing streak and searching for consistency in both their offence and defence. Columbus, meanwhile, has looked solid to start the early season with a 10-8-2 record. The two teams met early this season, with the Blue Jackets winning the contest 6-3.
2025-26 Head-To-Head: Blue Jackets 1-0 Maple Leafs
Time: 7:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST)
Toronto’s defensive issues remain the biggest story. The Leafs have been giving up high-danger chances more frequently than they’d like, and the team’s ability to shut down transitions has been inconsistent. Columbus is well-equipped to exploit those mistakes. With a fast, opportunistic forward group led by players like Adam Fantilli and Cole Sillinger, the Blue Jackets can strike quickly on turnovers and create sustained offensive pressure.
Toronto enters this matchup with a clear advantage, thanks to elite talent up front and a more complete roster overall. William Nylander remains one of the league’s most dominant goal-scorers, and when paired with John Tavares the Leafs’ top line is capable of controlling play and generating sustained pressure. Columbus can be fast and opportunistic, but Toronto’s size, skill, and ability to cycle the puck in the offensive zone make them difficult to contain.
Defensively, Toronto is still better equipped than Columbus to limit dangerous chances and control the neutral zone. With Morgan Rielly anchoring the blueline, the Leafs can disrupt Columbus’s transition game and force turnovers before the Jackets can generate sustained pressure. Goaltending also tilts in Toronto’s favour, with Joseph Woll providing stability and experience against a Blue Jackets offence that, while dangerous, hasn’t consistently challenged top-tier goalies this season.
While the Blue Jackets have some talented forwards like Cole Sillinger and Adam Fantilli who can create offence in transition, they’ll need perfect execution to keep up with Toronto’s top lines. Columbus will likely rely on speed and opportunistic play to generate scoring chances, but the Leafs’ structured defensive system and puck possession strategy should neutralize much of that threat. If Toronto can win the battle in the neutral zone, maintain strong defensive positioning, and capitalize on power play opportunities, they are in a strong position to control the game from start to finish.
Ultimately, Toronto’s combination of elite scoring, depth, and structured defence gives them a significant edge. While Columbus can make things competitive, especially if they strike early, the Maple Leafs have the talent and tactical advantage to dictate the pace and come away with the win.
While Columbus brings speed and opportunism, the Leafs’ skill advantage is undeniable. Toronto will need to tighten its defensive structure, win the special teams battle, and capitalize on quality scoring chances. A fast start could tilt momentum in their favour, but if Columbus strikes first, Toronto will be forced to chase the game and risk further defensive exposure.
Final Score Prediction: Maple Leafs 5 – Blue Jackets 3
Expect a high-scoring, competitive matchup. Columbus will challenge Toronto with speed and transition play, but the Leafs’ elite talent up front and ability to exploit defensive lapses should be enough to edge them. This one will test Toronto’s resilience, but they have the pieces to secure the win.
Main Photo Credit: Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images
Nicholas Giannone is a writer for Last Word on Sports, covering the Toronto Maple Leafs for the NHL department with a focus on team performance, player development, and organizational trends. Nicholas has a past in sports writing as he has written recaps for Albion College, as well as the Hockey Writers. He joined LWOS in 2025. Nicholas is currently pursuing a degree in Sport Management with a minor in Marketing and Integrated Communications at Albion College. His combination of academic insight and hands-on media experience allows him to provide thoughtful, data-driven coverage of the Maple Leafs and the NHL.
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