Mired in his coldest stretch of the season, William Nylander has been handed a demotion.
The Swedish winger skated on the third line next to Nicolas Roy and Dakota Joshua at practice on Wednesday, per David Alter of The Hockey News.
Nylander has been held without a point in each of his past four games. He went without a point just twice throughout October and November.
"I think if I had to look at one thing, he's gotta get involved more, engaged more in the games, work his way through it. And that's what I talked to him today about. ... All players go through it at some point," head coach Craig Berube said.
Despite his struggles, the Maple Leafs have begun turning things around with wins in five of their last six games — a stretch that began when Nylander buried an overtime winner against the Columbus Blue Jackets.
For the season, the 29-year-old has 32 points (11 goals, 21 assists) in 25 games.
Nick Robertson skated in Nylander's usual place on the second line next to John Tavares and Easton Cowan. Auston Matthews was flanked by Matthew Knies and Max Domi on the top line.
The Maple Leafs return to action Thursday at home against the San Jose Sharks, when they will be without winger Bobby McMann, who is suspended over a high-sticking penalty.
