Toronto Maple Leafs vs Detroit Red Wings Prediction & Picks - NHL

Prediction published on 12/28/25, 3:11 PM  by Taavi Pailk in NHL Picks

It’s top versus bottom in the Atlantic Division this weekend as the Detroit Red Wings host the Toronto Maple Leafs at Little Caesars Arena on Sunday.

Things have gone from bad to worse throughout the season for the Maple Leafs, who have struggled to cope with the absence of Mitch Marner. Without him, the team hasn’t had the same oomph offensively, and there have been some horrid defensive performances.

Before Toronto beat the Pittsburgh Penguins 6-3 ahead of the Christmas break, Craig Berube’s side had lost three games in a row, giving up 14 goals in the process. For the season, the Maple Leafs are allowing 3.33 goals per game, and they won’t be anywhere near the playoff race come spring if things don’t improve at the back.

Detroit has also faced some defensive issues, entering the weekend with a 3.16 goals-against average. Yet, the team has 10 more points on the table than Toronto and has recently impressed with wins over top-class Washington and Dallas teams.

The Red Wings went 5-1-0 ahead of the holidays, despite missing Patrick Kane from the lineup for five of the games. The former MVP elevates Detroit’s ceiling, but Todd McLellan’s team has proven that they can also be competitive without Kane.