Maple Leafs Head Coach Sheldon Keefe reveals one huge lineup change is coming up

PUBLICATION

Julien Trekker
January 13, 2024 (3:19 PM)

SHARE THIS STORY

Most of the Toronto Maple Leafs goals come from unsurprising players. Auston Matthews, Mitch Marner and William Nylander are all keeping the Leafs at the top. However, the team needs more from depth players to support the stars.

One of those players who definitely needs to do more is Tyler Bertuzzi.

Sheldon Keefe Shares Interesting Development on Bertuzzi

Sheldon Keefe talked about Bertuzzi's line in his pre-game comments ahead of tonight's matchup against the Colorado Avalanche. He had surprisingly good words for his line, with William Nylander and John Tavares, who'll remain intact for tonight's game.

"I just think he pairs really well with John. It is another guy who is really strong below the dots. He hangs around the net. The pace of play matches him really well, too, and yet I do feel that Willy is extremely important to that line as well. He is the puck transporter. He can be puck-dominant. All of those guys can be a lot to handle on the inside and in the offensive zone."

Earlier in the season, it didn't work out too well for Bertuzzi with other Leafs' star Auston Matthews. However, Keefe shared his thoughts on the matter, explaining Bertuzzi's underwhelming performances.

"At the same time, early in the season, did it not work with Matthews because it was not a good match? Or did it not work because there is a lot more going on as you are trying to get comfortable in the lineup, in a new team, in a new city, and all of these things?"

Bertuzzi to Get Major Opportunities In Coming Months

In 39 games this season, Bertuzzi only managed to score 18 points, including six goals. This places him at eighth spot among the Leafs' scorers, behin Calle Jarkrok, Max Domi and Morgani Rielly.

If the Leafs hope to make it far into the playoffs, they'll need more from him.

In order to get the best out of him, Sheldon Keefe announced that he'll get many opportunities until the end of the season to see what works better for him.

"As the season goes along here, we are going to have to move Bert around a little bit more just to see. I think he is a guy who can pair very well with different people."

As seen on Maple Leafs Daily - Sheldon Keefe says big changes are coming to the lineup, one involving Bertuzzi