Leafs reporter believes head coach Craig Berube should switch up William Nylander's position
Photo credit: USA Today Sports
Leafs fans could be in for quite the surprise when they watch their team for the first time, as William Nylander may be playing at center instead of the wing.
And there was at least some flirtation with the idea last season, prior to ultimately determining his best fit is on the wing, right beside John Tavares. It's also a possibility now once again, to see William Nylander at center, as something that isn't exactly off the table. As per Jonas Siegel in a piece for The Athletic, it is possible that the Leafs will revisit the look, at least into the preseason period.
We are yet to see if John Tavares will be able to remain in the second line at center for Toronto this coming 2024-25 season. Of course, the Leafs already have that definite firmed-up line with Max Domi, who is most likely to play alongside Auston Matthews this season. They know where to play John Tavares, which then means they'll need someone to play the second-line center, and that may fall on William Nylander.
However, that said, he was an absolute animal this past season, boasting his second 40-goal season to go along with a total of 98 points. He is one of the better playmaking wingers in the league, so it is a big ask for him to shift to center. John Tavares can still hold down a spot, so while it may be intriguing to give William Nylander a look at center during the preseason, that likely won't happen in the regular season unless there are some drastic changes in Leaf Nation.
Source:
TSN 1050's Instagram
TSN 1050's Instagram
Source: ESPN
William Nylander Stats
William Nylander Stats
| POLL | ||
SEPTEMBRE 12 | 64 ANSWERS Leafs reporter believes head coach Craig Berube should switch up William Nylander's position Will William Nylander actually play at center? | ||
| Yes | 24 | 37.5 % |
| No | 40 | 62.5 % |
| List of polls | ||