Maple Leafs facing a major lineup challenge with Mitch Marner's return
The Toronto Maple Leafs are facing a challenge that could force Sheldon Keefe to make a major lineup change when Mitch Marner returns from the LTIR.
Considering the Leafs' playoff history, and their habit of coming short when it matters the most, could it be time to change one of the biggest foundation of the team: the Matthews-Marner duo?
Marner missed the last 12 games with a high ankle sprain, but is set to come back on Saturday, against the Montreal Canadiens.
With only seven games remaining to the season, the time to try new things is now. Normally, it's not a good idea to separate Marner and Matthews. But considering how the recently Bertuzzi-Matthews-Domi line has been playing very well, tallying 13 points over the last five games, should Marner be paired with Nylander on the second line?
Should Sheldon Keefe try to pair Mitch Marner and William Nylander?
Exploring that scenario, we can quickly see the main challenge: Nylander would get back at center, a position he hasn't filled this season. If he can pull it off, Marner could very well be an interesting partner for him.
Over the years, Sheldon Keefe tried all combinations: Marner-Matthews, Matthews-Nylander, Nylander-Tavares, Tavares-Matthews, and Tavares-Marner. It always led to the same results.
Nylander at center, with Marner at the wing could be an interesting idea to explore.
And if it doesn't work out in a few games, Keefe always has the Matthews-Marner duo to fall back on.
Would you like to see a Marner-Nylander duo?
Source: The Athletic - Should the Maple Leafs pair Marner with Nylander?
| POLL | ||
Do you think Sheldon Keefe will make the right decision when Marner returns from the LTIR? | ||
| Yes | 280 | 61.8 % |
| No | 173 | 38.2 % |
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