Maple Leafs Set The Standard For What They Need From William Nylander This Season
Photo credit: James Carey Lauder, USA Today Sports
The Maple Leafs lost a key piece in Mitch Marner this summer, and in response, head coach Craig Berube has set the standard for what he needs from William Nylander this season.
A lot has been made of the departure of Maple Leafs star Mitch Marner, who found himself with a one-way ticket to Las Vegas just before the start of free agency when he was traded to the Vegas Golden Knights.
Granted, Marner leaving creates a pretty big hole for the Maple Leafs, and one that is certainly not easy to fill.
The Leafs are not only looking to replace Mitch Marner's lost production by committee, they're also looking to replace his power play minutes, his time on the penalty kill, and his leadership.
Maple Leafs coach Craig Berube knows he has some solid new pieces to work with in Dakota Joshua, Nicolas Roy and Mattias Maccelli, but he is also banking on William Nylander to take on a larger role in Toronto this season. Berube revealed as much when he spoke to the media on Saturday.
«We want [William Nylander] to have another great year. Obviously, production-wise, we need him to score goals, and we need him to do the things that he does with his skill."
Berube did not stop there, though. He also alluded to the step Nylander needs to take in the leadership department, which he believes is another area in which Nylander can continue to evolve.
«For me, I think he can take a bigger step in the leadership role. He's been a player a long time on this team. He's been around these guys. We lost [Mitch Marner], so in my opinion, Willy can step up and take a little bit of a bigger leadership role here.»
Nylander has often been looked upon as sort of a floater, but the truth is that he has been integral to the team's success with his near unmatched consistency over these last few seasons.
As he continues to grow as a player and as a leader, Nylander could play an even larger role for the Leafs this season, and he may just help propel the team to new heights.
| POLL | ||
SEPTEMBRE 21 | 1258 ANSWERS Maple Leafs Set The Standard For What They Need From William Nylander This Season Is William Nylander capable of being a leader in Toronto? | ||
| Yes | 955 | 75.9 % |
| No | 303 | 24.1 % |
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