Leafs Coach Craig Berube Responds to William Nylander's Request For More Ice Time

Ahead of Thursday's game against the Kraken, William Nylander expressed his desire for more ice-time, highlighting Craig Berube's deployment of the superstar winger perhaps being a touch too light.

The comments surprised many fans, reporters and analysts, given Nylander's hot start, and it remained a topic of conversation throughout the day and into the game. While he only played 17:34 last night, fourth most among Leafs forwards, Nylander backed up his comments about wanting more ice time by scoring twice, including netting the game-winner in the second period.

Following the game, Berube was asked about Nylander's performance and his desire to play more minutes.

Since joining forces with John Tavares and Max Pacioretty on the Leafs' second line, Nylander has scored three times and collected five points in the last two games. While his offensive production certainly warrants more ice-time, it is some of his defensive play that may be causing Berube to limit his ice time in certain situations.

As Nylander alluded to after practice on Thursday, he misses playing on the penalty kill, but it's hard for him to play on the penalty kill when he is the one in the box, as he was last night. While Nylander wants to play more, Mitch Marner's inner-circle wants him to play less, which has given Berube the opportunity to make adjustments to both of their time on ice without having to deal with questions about cutting Marner's ice back to give Nylander more.

With the Leafs in a back-to-back over the weekend, it the ice-time for both players will be something to keep an eye on, as well as if Nylander finds his way back onto the penalty kill.