Mired in a four-game pointless streak, William Nylander was demoted from the second line during Wednesday’s practice, as Craig Berube unveiled new line combinations.

Heading into Thursday’s game against Macklin Celebrini and the San Jose Sharks, the Leafs were forced to shuffle their forward lines as they will be without Bobby McMann.

Nylander demoted as Craig Berube shakes up the forward group

Without McMann, Berube has chosen to spread his stars around. While Auston Matthews and John Tavares remain in the Leafs’ top-six, Nylander, who is in the midst of a 4-game pointless streak, was demoted to the third line. Nylander’s demotion sees him take McMann’s spot alongside Nicolas Roy and Dakota Joshua.

Of course, the demotion to the third line left a hole on Tavares’ wing. To fill that void, Berube had a choice of Nick Robertson or Matias Maccelli. The Leafs’ bench boss chose to go with Robertson.

The California native was scratched for Monday’s game with Berube citing that he felt the 24-year-old had ‘lost a bit of his jump and tenacity’. Robertson and Tavares will be joined on the second line by Easton Cowan, who continues to impress.

Marlies defenseman to make Leafs debut?

Ahead of practice, the Leafs made a roster move, recalling Henry Thrun from the Toronto Marlies and placing Dakota Mermis on injured reserve.

The 24-year-old was acquired in the Ryan Reaves trade in the off-season and appears set to make his Leafs debut on Thursday night as he was paired with Simon Benoit.

Depending on the health of Morgan Rielly, Thrun might be forced into a more prominent role on Thursday, as the long-time Leafs defenseman was held out of practice due to an illness.

Considered their best game of the season on Monday in a 2-0 win over the Lightning, the Leafs will look to continue to build momentum and extend their winning streak to three games on Thursday.

Previously on Toronto Hockey Daily

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Craig Berube officially demotes William Nylander as Leafs prepare for Sharks

Will Nylander snap his pointless streak on Thursday?