Could Maple Leafs Defenseman Debut Against Former Team in Colorado?

Nick Blankenburg could make his Toronto Maple Leafs debut against the Avalanche on Saturday at Ball Arena.

Blankenburg hasn’t played in any of Toronto’s first five games this season. It’s still unknown if he’ll be in the lineup against his former team.

The Maple Leafs signed him to a one-year, $1.4 million contract on Sept. 27 after bringing him in on a professional tryout. Blankenburg earned the deal after putting together the best offensive season of his NHL career.

Colorado acquired the right-handed defenseman at last season’s trade deadline to add depth to its blue line for the playoff push. He played 12 regular-season games with the Avalanche, scoring twice and adding an assist. He also appeared in five playoff games.

Blankenburg’s biggest moment in Colorado came in Game 2 of the second-round series against the Minnesota Wild. He scored his first career playoff goal with his parents watching from the stands, giving him a memorable moment during his short time with the Avalanche.

Colorado ultimately decided not to bring him back in free agency and signed Noah Juulsen, who has appeared in three of Colorado's four games this season, including on Thursday when the Avalanche defeated the Flames 7-3 on the road, as Sam Malinski was benched by head coach Jared Bednar reportedly due to poor play. 

Blankenburg moved on to Toronto after finishing the 2025-26 season with eight goals and 16 assists between the Predators and Avalanche. Both totals were career highs.

He has appeared in 178 NHL games, recording 18 goals and 40 assists.

Blankenburg now has a chance to get his season started with Toronto. If he plays Saturday, he’ll do it against the team that acquired him at the trade deadline last season and gave him an opportunity to chase a Stanley Cup. 

Thursday's game kicks off at 5 p.m. from Ball Arena.