William Nylander Throws Some Shade at Former Leafs Head Coach Sheldon Keefe
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Photo credit: USA TODAY Sports
William Nylander took a bit of a parting shot at former Toronto Maple Leafs coach Sheldon Keefe following the first on-ice sessions at Leafs training camp.
Toronto Maple Leafs forward William Nylander is coming off a career season, having recorded a career best 98 points, including 40 goals, in 82 games. Despite his success on the wing, the current team's roster construction has opened up an opportunity for Nylander to start training camp as a center.
The idea of Nylander playing in the middle has been tested in the past under former head coach Sheldon Keefe, but after a very limited trial, Keefe opted for a different approach, removing Nylander from that role almost immediately.
According to Mark Masters on X, Nylander expressed that he didn't feel he was given a fair chance to play center previously. When asked about his experience, he said:
"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 ..."
Why was experiment so short last year?
"I don't know. You'll have to ask my old coach" - Nylander said smiling.
Why was experiment so short last year?
"I don't know. You'll have to ask my old coach" - Nylander said smiling.
This comment clearly reflects Nylander's frustrations with Keefe, as he believes he wasn't given a genuine opportunity at the centre position.
If Nylander can successfully transition to centre, it would be a significant advantage for the Maple Leafs, allowing John Tavares to shift to a third-line role and giving the team three outstanding players at the position.
| POLL | ||
SEPTEMBRE 19 | 2068 ANSWERS William Nylander Throws Some Shade at Former Leafs Head Coach Sheldon Keefe Will William Nylander break the 100 point plateau for the first time in his career this season? | ||
| Yes | 1380 | 66.7 % |
| No | 688 | 33.3 % |
| List of polls | ||
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