Maple Leafs Coach Craig Berube May Have Lit a Fire Under Defenceman After Denying his Request

Toronto Maple Leafs coach Craig Berube has made a major team decision, and in doing so gave a firm no to a request from one of his players.

Everyone knew the Leafs powerplay lines had to look at least somewhat different this year as the player that ran point on PP1 was Mitch Marner, who hit the ice for training camp with the Vegas Golden Knights for the first time this week. Veteran defenceman Oliver Ekman-Larsson was hoping that would open up a slot for him.

Maple Leafs coach Craig Berube had other plans, though and announced them to reporters later in the day. Morgan Rielly, whose recent comments showed his determination to produce at an elite rate for the Leafs this season, is the new PP1 quarterback. Ekman-Larsson will have to wait for potential changes down the road to get his wish.

While it may seem like a setback for Ekman-Larsson, this is the type of thing that can and has been used by players to fan the flames of their motivation. The 34-year-old certainly seems to be confident in the team's abilities, telling reporters he wouldn't be with the Maple Leafs if he didn't think the team could win the Stanley Cup. Some extra inspiration is never a bad thing.