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Leafs lineup news: No changes made, Pezzetta, Myers projected scratches vs. Sharks

Originally posted on TheLeafsnation | By Arun Srinivasan | Last updated Apr 1, 2026 4:05 PM ET

Ahead of Thursday’s game against the San Jose Sharks, the Toronto Maple Leafs held a practice in Anaheim, where head coach Craig Berube made no changes to the lineup.

Coming off a comeback 5-4 victory over the Anaheim Ducks, Berube did not change the line combinations from Monday’s game, via line rushes posted by David Alter of The Hockey News. Michael Pezzetta and Philippe Myers are the projected scratches.

It appears that Berube may be content to play out the stretch. MLSE CEO Keith Pelley confirmed Tuesday that Berube’s status for the 2026-27 season will be determined by the team’s next general manager or president of hockey operations.

“ Craig Berube is the head coach, and that is determined by the general manager or the president of hockey or the head of hockey operations. That’s not decided by myself,” Pelley said Tuesday.

“His role of the hockey club doesn’t change today, other than the fact is that he will work closer with Brandon Pridham and Ryan Hardy. Once we have a new head in hockey in place, if that recommendation is around Craig Berube at that particular time, we will listen. Something as big as Craig Berube would go all the way to ownership.”

Toronto’s first line of Easton Cowan, John Tavares and William Nylander were in excellent form Monday against Anaheim. Tavares scored the game-winner in OT, Nylander registered a four-point night, while Cowan added two assists. This line may remain intact for the remainder of the year, with two cornerstone stars, and a 20-year-old rookie in Cowan, who has been a bright spot throughout an otherwise disastrous season for the Maple Leafs.