This has now given the Leafs three natural centres in their top-six, meaning one would have to move to the wing. Most assumed that O'Reilly, as the new guy, would fill that 2LW spot, but it appears Sheldon Keefe has other plans.
Sheldon Keefe has already spoken with John Tavares and made it known to him that he will be on the wing long-term. He shared this with the media today:
The Leafs have a unique luxury in having so many servicable centres, especially considering that Pierre Engvall, Alex Kerfoot, Zach Aston-Reese, Noel Acciari, and Pontus Holmberg can all play down the middle.
Tavares is their second-highest paid player and their captain, but it looks like he will be a winger for the next chapter of his career.
While regular season success is important, all that matters is that this works in the playoffs!
Source Maple Leafs Daily:
Sheldon Keefe reveals that his plan is to keep Tavares on the wing permanently
POLL | ||
FEVRIER 21 | 506 ANSWERS Sheldon Keefe Reveals His Long-Term Plan for John Tavares Do you think John Tavares should stay at center? | ||
Yes | 229 | 45.3 % |
No | 277 | 54.7 % |
List of polls |