NHL analyst believes Leafs Head Coach's patience has run out with William Nylander after demotion to third line during practice

William Nylander was demoted to the third line by Toronto Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube during their practice session on Wednesday. The decision came on the back of a four-game pointless spell for the team's highest scorer.

Berube admitted in his explanation to the reporters after the practice that the second line of Nylander, John Tavares and Easton Cowan wasn't producing the desired results for the team, leading to the Swede's demotion.

Nylander will play alongside Dakota Joshua and Nicolas Roy, who are without their usual partner, Bobby McMann, suspended for the upcoming game against the San Jose Sharks.

This isn't the first time this season that Berube has asked for more from his forward, who is signed to an eight-year $92 million contract by the club. After the team's two opening games, in October, Berube asked Nylander to shoot more, while last month, on November 13, he yet again publicly asked him to be more involved.

According to TSN analyst Bryan Hayes on Overdrive on Wednesday, Berube is exasperated with Nylander's efforts on the ice.

"William Nylander's been moved down to the third line, which I find I think is telling. Berube's had enough of him. I know he keeps saying, "Hey, I love Will," but it's driving him crazy. You could tell," Hayes said.

Hayes believes that the demotion was aimed at sending a message to Nylander and the team.

"They're sending him to a line here with Dakota Joshua and Nicolas Roy," he continued. There's nothing sexy about playing with those two guys. Nothing.

"That is a direct message from Craig Berube: You better start skating, working, and checking. And it's always Willie. Like it always comes back to him. They have a unique relationship, but obviously, Berube is seeing something that he doesn't like."

William Nylander taking demotion to third line positively

William Nylander doesn't let anything get to him usually. His approach remaind the same when he spoke to reporters on Wednesday.

“I think it’s good,” he said speaking about joining the bottom six. “I think we needed to try something new. I mean, I think our line has not [had] so many good looks the past few games.”

Nylander, who has a 20.8% shooting rate this season, an increase of 3.0% from last season, felt that he wasn't shooting enough.

“I feel like there are chances where I should maybe be shooting the puck, you know, passing it, whatever,” Nylander said. “So, I need to [have] a little bit more hunger to attack the net and get the puck there. I think that’s probably one of the aspects that’s missing.”

In the four games that Nylander hasn't scored, the Leafs have been able to take maximum, barring one due to a shootout loss against the Montreal Canadiens. Nevertheless, having scored 32 points in 21 games till that point, Nylander is expected to retain the same form as the Leafs move up the standings.