The Buds are a little banged up heading into the first meeting of the season between the Leafs and Ottawa Senators as Auston Matthews is doubtful to return after missing the last three games and Max Pacioretty is now week-to-week with an injury he sustained over the weekend.

The Toronto Maple Leafs' John Tavares and the Ottawa Senators' Drake Batherson will be two of the most exciting players to keep an eye on when these teams meet on Tuesday at 7:00 PM ET, at Scotiabank Arena. See below to read more about Maple Leafs vs. Senators leaders, insights, and a predicted winner.

The Maple Leafs won't mind if Nylander continues his strong start against the Senators this evening. The two-time 40-goal scorer has found some decent success against the Atlantic Division rival throughout the last decade, tallying 32 points in 36 career meetings with Ottawa.

The Toronto Maple Leafs have played their last two games without captain Auston Matthews, who is recovering from an upper-body injury. Despite winning both matchups against divisional rivals, the Detroit Red Wings and Montreal Canadiens,