Toronto Maple Leafs vs Columbus Blue Jackets Prediction & Picks - NHL

Prediction published on 11/26/25, 3:46 PM  by Edgar Jibran in NHL Picks

Next Wednesday will bring an extended NHL schedule, in which 30 of the 32 franchises will have activity. With the schedule in mind, even though the matchup between the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Columbus Blue Jackets isn’t one of the most attractive, this game will be key for the Canadian team to reduce the gap between them and the Eastern Conference playoff spots.

However, it’s worth noting that the Maple Leafs’ defense has been disastrous this season, currently noted as the worst in the Eastern Conference with 82 goals conceded, so the defensemen are expected to increase their blocking shot ratio as the mid-season approaches. Additionally, it must be noted that Auston Matthews could come back for this game, as he has been the offensive leader of this squad.

Meanwhile, the Columbus Blue Jackets are having a more consistent performance than expected at the beginning of the season, as they are only one point behind the playoff spots. Nonetheless, the Blue Jackets haven’t been able to win any of their last five games in regulation time, so playing at home after four games on the road should be motivating enough for them to battle for a positive result.