William Nylander takes a shot at former head coach Sheldon Keefe
Photo credit: David Pagnotta on X
Toronto Maple Leafs superstar William Nylander took a subtle shot at former head coach Sheldon Keefe.
Before jumping to conclusions about William and Alex Nylander playing together, it's important to figure out where William Nylander fits best positionally.
On the first day of training camp, new coach Craig Berube followed through on his plan by placing Nylander at center, a position he hasn't played regularly. This move could be seen as a critique of how his former coach handled the lineup.
Nylander said he had a long conversation with Berube about the switch from right wing and is excited to try it out.
«I'm excited, I told Chief that the most important thing is I can't just play one game if you want to try centre. We agree on that and hopefully it goes well.»
When asked why the experiment didn't last longer last season, Nylander smiled and said.
«I don't know,» a smiling Nylander replied. «I might have to ask my old coach about that.»
Sheldon Keefe, now with the New Jersey Devils, believed Nylander was more valuable on the right wing than challenging John Tavares for the second-line center spot. Nylander had another 40-goal season, but managed just one goal and three assists in the seven-game playoff loss to Boston.
On Thursday, Nylander was placed between Max Domi and Calle Jarnkrok, while Tavares centered a line with Bobby McMann and Nick Robertson.
Berube praised Nylander's ability to carry the puck through the middle but reminded everyone that playing center involves more than just offense.
«We have to give him opportunity and time,» Berube cautioned. «We'll see him in an exhibition game down the road, play a few games, see how he feels. But we'll also be watching. You're playing in your own end down low, breakouts, working to get back quick to help the defence it's the details that take more time.»
Nylander wants to be a key player for the Leafs, and it looks like he'll stay in his new center role for the foreseeable future.
| POLL | ||
SEPTEMBRE 19 | 136 ANSWERS William Nylander takes a shot at former head coach Sheldon Keefe Do you think William Nylander is better suited at center? | ||
| Yes | 52 | 38.2 % |
| No, he's a winger | 84 | 61.8 % |
| List of polls | ||
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