Concerns Mounting in Toronto Following the Inconspicuous Absence of Leafs Star William Nylander

The Maple Leafs have had mixed results early on this season, owners of a 2-2-0 record, but with William Nylander absent from Thursday's morning skate after a big night against Nashville, there is certainly a risk of dropping to 2-3-0 on the season.

Nylander was recently challenged and publicly called out by head coach Craig Berube to have more of an impact on the game after a slow start. The star winger responded with a 3-point night against the Predators on Thursday.

The possibility exists that Nylander's absence is strictly related to maintenance, and that remains the hope. But, this early into the season, any star player being absent from a practice following a full day off is going to raise some concerns and set off some alarms.

The fact that Easton Cowan was getting reps in with the Leafs' top power play unit could indicate that Nylander could sit, though it's important not to jump the gun just yet.

Nylander, on paper, does certainly appear to be entering the 2025-26 season on a bit of a hot streak, having produced a total of 2 goals and 7 points in just 4 games.

However, a lacklustre showing against the Detroit Red Wings in a home-and-home set last week, in which Nylander played a total of 50 shifts in more than 40 minutes of ice time over two games, resulting in one lone assist and a -3 rating, does bring his consistency into question this season.

The question of who would replace Nylander in the top-six if he does end up needing some time off is a tough one to answer.

Perhaps the Leafs could give Nicholas Robertson a look in that spot, or maybe Dakota Joshua deserves a chance to play a little higher in the lineup, having notched an 18-goal season the year before last. Of course, it's tough to even think about that until we know the reason for Nylander's absence.