Leafs William Nylander move to center: the one condition he really insisted on

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Chris Gerics
September 21, 2024 (3:28 PM)

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The Toronto Maple Leafs are trying something different in the 2024-2025 season with moving William Nylander to center, and he has only one request for head coach Craig Berube.

Toronto has found themselves suddenly with a lack of depth in their center role. Names like David Kampf don't jump off the page, and rookies Jacob Quillan and Fraser Minten either aren't ready or sidelined indefinitely with an injury. Toronto would be sitting with a top 2 of Auston Matthews and John Tavares, and with PTO signing and hopeful bottom line center Steven Lorentz also injured, the numbers keep dwindling. Head coach Craig Berube clearly identified this, and made the decision to move Swedish dynamo William Nylander to center.

Nylander was supportive of the move from the man affectionately known as 'Chief' but he had one request for his new head coach: Don't give up on it before it starts. Last season, Sheldon Keefe experimented sparingly with putting Nylander at center, after stating he wanted to try it out on multiple occasions. He didn't end up following through with his promise (a sad consistency during Keefe's tenure) and Nylander was shifted back to the wing. He was given the chance again this season but he told coach Craig Berube something simple:

«I'm excited. I told Chief that the most important thing is I can't just play one game if you want to try center. We agree on that,» he said.

The shift to center would give Toronto a dynamic trio down the middle with Auston Matthews, William Nylander and John Tavares; the latter two names can easily swap between lines given the circumstances, and this shows the dedication of both Craig Berube and William Nylander to want what's best for the team as a whole.

It will take some time to adjust to the position but coach Berube is known for being able to take players and maximize their talents and Nylander has the numbers to justify the change. He has a career 50.4% faceoff percentage, and had a streak of seasons from 2017-2021 where he averaged 53.08% which is an incredible number for a player who primarily plays the wing. His defensive game is strong, and he can play the slot in the defensive zone and has a much better takeaway to giveaway ratio.

Honestly, I don't think this move causes any harm to the Maple Leafs. I have always admired Nylander and his poise on the ice. I always had a soft spot for guys who could be flashy but also foundational. It's obvious Toronto has a bit of a weak spot down the middle and being able to throw out Nylander on a third line against typically weaker 'checking lines' would give him a massive advantage offensively and defensively.

The Toronto Maple Leafs have a problem with a lack of centers, whether due to injury or lack of experience. It seems they have the secret ingredient necessary to not only shore up their center depth but have a full four lines and it lies with William Nylander at center.

Let's just hope Berube doesn't turn the oven off before the Maple Leafs start cooking.