Maple Leafs promote impressive Tlusty

Toronto Maple Leafs management isn’t about to extend the leash for a struggling player, despite the team’s encouraging play of late.

To that end, general manager Brian Burke sent Viktor Stalberg(notes) to the Toronto Marlies of the American Hockey League on Thursday after the left-winger collected one point in eight games.

The 23-year-old native of Gothenburg, Sweden, hasn’t hit the score sheet since he earned an assist in his NHL debut, a 4-3 overtime loss to Montreal in the season opener on Oct. 1.

Taking Stalberg’s roster spot is centre Jiri Tlusty(notes), who leads the Marlies this season in goals (six), points (10), power-play goals (two) and short-handed goals (one) in eight contests.

Last season, the 21-year-old posted four assists in 14 games with the Leafs. In 72 NHL games, Tlusty has 10 goals and 20 points.

In other Maple Leafs news, goaltender Vesa Toskala(notes) (knee) has been activated from injured reserve, while goalie Joey MacDonald(notes) was returned to the Marlies.

MacDonald, 29, posted a 3.35 goals-against average and .875 save percentage in eight games for the Leafs.

Toronto continues its five-game road trip against the Buffalo Sabres on Friday at 7 p.m. ET. The 1-7-2 Leafs fell to 1-1-1 on the trip with a 4-3 overtime loss to Dallas on Wednesday.