Maple Leafs Coach Craig Berube Shares New Insights on Matthews, Nylander and Knies
Photo credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images
Toronto Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube has shared some new insights on Auston Matthews, William Nylander and Matthew Knies ahead of the team's Home Opener.
What's felt like a long training camp for the Toronto Maple Leafs and their revamped roster has also shed a light on both old challenges and new questions for the team.
Craig Berube hasn't shied away from addressing these questions, and in a recent sit-down with Ryan Leslie, he highlighted a few notable points about his ambitious team.
Craig Berube Has Identified Matthew Knies as the Leafs' Most Competitive Player
Berube singled out Matthew Knies as the most competitive player on the roster, and it's easy to see why.
At just 22, Knies tallied 29 goals and 58 points in 78 games last season and has seamlessly adapted to Berube's north-to-south, high-pressure, in-your-face style of play.
Their mutual respect is evident, and it's clear that Knies' work ethic has made a big impression on the veteran coach. That said, Berube's comments also send a subtle message to some of the Maple Leafs' more seasoned players.
Calling a 22-year-old the team's most competitive member highlights the importance of accountability -- something the organization has struggled with in recent years.
Knies Not the Only Player Who Received Praise From Craig Berube After Leafs Training Camp
Berube also praised captain Auston Matthews as a super hard worker, something fans love to hear about their franchise cornerstone. But as the captain, it's something that should be a given. Leading by example has been highlighted by Berube numerous times in the past.
Berube also had words on William Nylander, calling him the most skilled player he's ever coached, which is no small compliment coming from a Stanley Cup-winning coach who's worked with elite talent like Vladimir Tarasenko, Ryan O'Reilly, and Claude Giroux in their primes.
With such high praise and insight from Berube, Leafs fans have plenty to be excited about as Toronto prepares to host the Montreal Canadiens in their home opener tomorrow.
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