William Nylander's Expected Linemates to Begin the Pre-season Revealed
William Nylander appears to be entering the year as a center, and on Thursday, we found out who his linemates will likely be, at least to kick off the pre-season.
Although the Nylander to center experiment was tested out last year, former bench boss Sheldon Keefe pulled the plug on it relatively quickly. However, it looks like they are revisiting those plans this year and Craig Berube's recent line rushes at the on-set of training camp give us a good indication that: 1) they are sticking to the plan and 2) we have a better inclination to the solution to the third line center conundrum.
Nylander was seen centering Max Domi and Calle Jarnkrok during the Toronto Maple Leafs' practice earlier today. It's certainly a change from the norm as Nylander has generally patrolled the wing on John Tavares' line in the top-6 and many had pegged Domi or Fraser Minten to be the potential 3C if the Maple Leafs failed to sign another centre in the off-season.
Of course, it's just the beginning of training camp and everything can change on a whim. However, it's still a good sign of what's to come. Changes are on the horizon, and after 5 years of Keefe behind the bench, Craig Berube is looking to set the tone with his personal touch.
This change also leaves a lot more room for flexibility at the top of the lineup with Auston Matthews, Mitch Marner, and John Tavares seeing new line-mates and different combinations as well. A well-balanced top-9 instead of a star-studded top-6 might be the shake up the Maple Leafs needed to get them over the hump.
| POLL | ||
SEPTEMBRE 20 | 1783 ANSWERS William Nylander's Expected Linemates to Begin the Pre-season Revealed Should the Maple Leafs make William Nylander their permanent 3C? | ||
| Yes, he can do it and the Leafs become balanced | 921 | 51.7 % |
| No, he's not a natural fit, better winger | 862 | 48.3 % |
| List of polls | ||
