Berube, Nylander Clarify An Important Detail Regarding Maple Leafs' Newest Experiment
Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube has provided some clarification on the William Nylander at center experiment after Nylander was spotted taking reps on the wing at Monday's practice.
Earlier this offseason, Berube had announced that Nylander would be given a good long look at center this pre-season in hopes of having the Swedish forward play down the middle to start the year. The experiment had failed in the past, but as Nylander had recently implied, that was more or less because Sheldon Keefe wouldn't give him the time he needed to truly adjust to and learn the position. Under Berube, Nylander is getting that chance, though he did line up on the wing at practice on Monday.
Berube confirmed following this morning's session that he is not pulling the plug on Nylander at center. Quite the contrary, actually. He confirmed that he has enjoyed what he's seen from Nylander at the position, given the tremendous difference between what it takes to play on the wing versus what you need to do in order to play down the middle. He also admitted to wanting a right-shot faceoff man.
Nylander, who was thankfully able to avoid a serious injury after being struck in the head by a knee last week, also discussed the reps on the wing on Monday, revealing that he may play a bit of both positions this season. Mostly, he's focused more on playing well than the actual position he'll be playing. In true Nylander fashion, he is playing the whole thing very cool.
Nylander posted a career-high 98 points last season, matching a career best 40 goals as well. It remains to be seen whether the switch to center will impact his production positively or negatively, but with what should be more puck touches as a center, you'd hope that Nylander would excel in the position and continue to produce at a very high rate.
