Toronto Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube may make controversial decision with William Nylander

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Tom Banks
September 12, 2024  (4:29 PM)

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Photo credit: NHL.com

The Toronto Maple Leafs almost switched William Nylander to centre a year ago, and now it appears Craig Berube may look into the possibility once more in 2024/25.

Last season, the Maple Leafs appeared willing to shift William Nylander to the centre position, but ultimately they decided against it, opting to keep him on the second-line wing alongside then captain John Tavares. Now however, it's reportedly becoming an option once more, with The Athletic's Jonas Siegel suggesting that the team should try it out again this year, even if only for the pre-season.

There has been plenty of debate about whether or not Tavares should be the 2C once more in 2024/25 for Toronto, and with the potential of Max Domi playing on the top line alongside Auston Matthews again, it raises questions about Toronto's line combinations. There are many variables to this process, and if the team believe Tavares isn't coming back or is best suited for the 3C role, then they will need to find someone for the second line, and it could ultimately be Nylander.

However, No. 88 had a career year a season ago, notching his second straight 40 goal season with 98 total points on the year, and given how explosive of a playmaker he is from the outside, it makes little sense to force a change. At this point in his career, it appears Tavares can still play his role, so while auditioning Nylander in the pre-season could work, all indicators currently show that he's one of the best wingers in the NHL, so don't expect this to happen in the regular season unless something drastic changes.

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Previously

Stephen Peat, a former Washington Capitals forward, has passed away at only 44 years old

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New Jersey Devils caught hiding injury to key player: Luke Hughes is dealing with an arm issue

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SEPTEMBRE 12   |   122 ANSWERS Toronto Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube may make controversial decision with William Nylander Where is William Nylander's future with the Toronto Maple Leafs?
Winger	84	68.9 %
Centre	38	31.1 %
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