Dec 8, 2025; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube watcxhes the action against the Tampa Bay Lightning during the third period at Scotiabank Arena.

Photo credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images

The Toronto Maple Leafs are preparing for the San Jose Sharks on Thursday night, and based on Craig Berube’s lineup, it seems like a major weakness is present.

On Monday night, the Toronto Maple Leafs had one of their best games of the NHL season as they managed to defeat the Tampa Bay Lightning by a score of 2-0.

Now, the Maple Leafs have to make some adjustments as they look to take on the San Jose Sharks on Thursday night.

The Maple Leafs were back at practice today, and according to Mark Masters, head coach Craig Berube has made some interesting adjustments.

Toronto Maple Leafs lineup against the San Jose Sharks

When it comes to the forward lines, there was a big change involving Nick Robertson and William Nylander. Robertson was promoted to the second line, and Nylander was demoted to the third line.

Meanwhile, the biggest weakness is on defense, where the Leafs currently have Philippe Myers on the second defensive pairing with Morgan Rielly out with an illness. It’s important to note that Rielly should play tomorrow.

Lastly, Henry Thrun was on the final defensive pairing, and is looking to officially make his Toronto Maple Leafs debut.

Knies – Matthews – Domi
Cowan – Tavares – Robertson
Joshua – Roy – Nylander
Lorentz – Laughton – Jarnkrok
McMann, Maccelli

McCabe – Stecher
Ekman-Larsson – Myers*
Benoit – Thrun
Tanev🛑, Rifai 🛑

Hildeby
Akhtyamov

Whether or not this lineup is enough to defeat the San Jose Sharks, is something that still very much remains to be seen.

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Maple Leafs unveil projected lineup against the Sharks, and there is one major weakness

Do you believe the Toronto Maple Leafs can defeat the San Jose Sharks with this lineup?