Nick Robertson prepared for action on the fourth line in anticipation of Nylander's return on Saturday night.
Nick Robertson prepared for action on the fourth line in anticipation of Nylander's return on Saturday night.
The Toronto Maple Leafs are preparing for William Nylander to play in Game 4 against the Boston Bruins on Saturday night.
"We're preparing for Willy to play at this point," Maple Leafs head coach Sheldon Keefe said following Toronto's optional morning skate, which the forward missed, meaning he was likely in the Game 4 lineup.
The 27-year-old hasn't played a game in this series for Toronto. Although the Maple Leafs have been quite hush about why Nylander hasn't been available, multiple reports have suggested it's due to a migraine issue.
Nylander took to the ice for practice on Friday skating alongside Pontus Holmberg and Calle Jarnkrok. When asked after the skate about what's kept him out of the lineup, the forward said: "It's personal, so I'm not going to get into that."
He added that there'll be no challenge if he does come into the Maple Leafs lineup for Game 4 against the Bruins. And why won't it be a challenge?
"Because I've been skating and everything," Nylander said on Friday. "I'm fine."
[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2SSLHvbE6nI[/embed]
As the forward reenters Toronto's lineup, it shifts Nick Robertson to the fourth line alongside David Kampf and Ryan Reaves. Keefe confirmed that it's Connor Dewar coming out of the lineup with Robertson shifting down, which was a difficult decision for the head coach to make.
"Not an easy decision whatsoever because Dewar has done a tremendous job in his own place in what we've asked of him," Keefe added.
Robertson doesn't have a point in this series, however, Toronto's head coach has liked how he's played. The 22-year-old leads all forwards with a 67.16 xGF% at five-on-five through the first three games against Boston, according to NaturalStatTrick.com.
What does the young forward hope to bring to the fourth line on Saturday night?
"I think just sticking to their strengths. They play a lot of north and a physical game. I think I could add my touch in the o-zone," he said.
It's a big opportunity for Toronto with Nylander returning to the lineup in Game 4 against the Bruins, especially on the Maple Leafs' home ice inside Scotiabank Arena.
"He's a huge player for us. Him being out was tough. But, I think we played well and I think we can play even better with him in the lineup," Robertson said. "He's well-rested too. He's probably ready to go and I think he'll be great for us."
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