Dec 8, 2025; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs forward William Nylander (88) pursues Tampa Bay Lightning forward Pontus Holmberg (29) during the first period at Scotiabank Arena.

Photo credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images

Toronto Maple Leafs forward William Nylander has been struggling as of late, and it appears as though Craig Berube is finally taking some action.

William Nylander was off to a hot start to the season as he had 32 points in 21 games, and was looking like one of the best players in the league.

Four games later, Nylander still has 32 points and has been the weak link on the second line with forwards John Tavares and Easton Cowan.

There has been some frustration in regard to Nylander’s play, as he just hasn’t been putting in the effort required to be a top-tier player.

Craig Berube sends a message to William Nylander

According to Mark Masters, Leafs head coach Craig Berube had a conversation with Nylander and told him what he needs to do.

Work your way through it … I would say he’s got to get involved more, engaged more in the game & work his way through it

This change may have been for just one practice, but there is a chance we see it tomorrow night against the San Jose Sharks.

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

Whatever the case may be, this should be a huge wake-up call for Nylander, who needs to start pulling his weight before he gets scratched.

The Maple Leafs will be playing the San Jose Sharks on Thursday, and Nylander will be looking to get back on the score sheet.

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Craig Berube hits William Nylander with an eye-opening demotion

Do you believe William Nylander deserves to be demoted in the Toronto Maple Leafs lineup?