Nylander taking reps at center; Keefe provides update Tavares' status
The Leafs are on their annual end of training camp trip in Gravenhurst for the next few days. While there, they'll practice and do some team building activities in between. At today's practice, one which likely included the majority of the final roster, Keefe tinkered with his lines a little bit.
Keefe moved William Nylander off of the second line and had him center Nick Robertson and Denis Malgin on the third line. Much was made of the move, but Keefe quickly dispelled any rumours post-practice, saying that Nylander was mainly acting as a placeholder for John Tavares. He also mentioned that it was important for Nylander to get some reps at center.
Nylander has played center at times for the Leafs and previously in his career, and with the never-ending injury cycle, it's always good to have players that feel comfortable in the position if they are ever needed. There's nothing wrong with covering your bases, just in case.
Keefe also provided an update on Tavares' status, stating that he is progressing well and that he does have an outside chance of being ready for the season opener against Montreal on October 12th. That news comes as a bit of a surprise as it was initially reported that Tavares' recovery would keep him out past the season opener.
| POLL | ||
OCTOBRE 5 | 59 ANSWERS Nylander taking reps at center; Keefe provides update Tavares' status Will Tavares be ready in time for the season opener in Montreal? | ||
| Yes | 11 | 18.6 % |
| No | 48 | 81.4 % |
| List of polls | ||
