Toronto Maple Leafs training camp is underway. Going into camp, there are several notes and news coming out of Leafs Land. On Wednesday, the Maple Leafs had their media day. Several members of management and a handful of players faced reporters, and there is a lot to unfold.
Craig Berube’s first practice as Leafs coach is underway pic.twitter.com/4hZQGlmn0y
— Mark Masters (@markhmasters) September 19, 2024
Day One of Leafs Training Camp
Nylander Playing Centre
Leading up to Leafs training camp, Jonas Siegel of The Athletic brought up the idea of William Nylander trying out the centre position. This is an experiment that was tried out by former coach Sheldon Keefe. However, it wasn’t a fair opportunity as it only lasted a couple of games. Now, the Leafs’ new coach, Craig Berube confirmed to the media that he will be starting training camp with Nylander in the middle. Also, he added that Max Domi would play on his wing.
Moving from winger to centre is a big adjustment. There are several more responsibilities, especially defensively. You’re supposed to support your defencemen in the corners and get involved in puck battles behind your goal line at times. It’s been a while since Nylander last played that position. He did it back in his time with the Marlies in the AHL between 2014 and 2016.
Later on, Berube was asked about why he wanted to try Nylander at centre and what he brings to that role. He said putting Nylander in the middle of the ice allows him to see more of the ice and more time on the puck. The Swede is a great skater and an excellent puck handler. Therefore, moving him to the middle will allow him to use his strengths more effectively.
If this experiment works out, John Tavares would drop down to the third-line centre. Given his age, 33, this will give him less of a workload on both ends of the ice, and it will also give Toronto excellent forward depth.
Status on Marner and Tavares’ Future
With no real surprise, Mitch Marner was asked about a contract extension. However, he shut down those questions as he wants to focus on the upcoming season and help the team win. The whole approach with Marner’s contract negotiations is to keep it as quiet as possible. Not only will this keep things private from Leafs media and fans, but it’ll allow Marner to focus on training camp and the start of the season. In an interview with Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman, Marner said he wants to leave all negotiations to his agent, Darren Ferris and Leafs general manager Brad Treliving.
As for Tavares, he was a little more open to the question than Marner was. He said that he wants to be a Maple Leaf and wants to be in Toronto long-term. In addition to that, he is expecting a lot from himself this season. Tavares is a very proud player and takes his work seriously. Even though there’s a chance that he’ll start on the third line, he plans to make that decision a challenging one for the coaching staff.
Opportunity for Young Players
After his performance in the OHL last season, Leafs fans are wondering if Easton Cowan can make the NHL roster this season. With all the competition on the left wing, Bobby McMann, Matthew Knies, Max Pacioretty, Nicholas Robertson, and more, there’s some uncertainty about Cowan. However, Treliving made his message clear when asked about the 19-year-old.
“I don’t care if you’re 18 or 38, we’ll make room if they can help us win… Play well, and we’ll find a seat for you.”
This message was not just directed at Cowan. This goes for players like Robertson, Fraser Minten, and Nikita Grebenkin, all players that the general manager listed.
There’s no doubt that Cowan is a talented player. Last season, he scored 96 points in 54 games. He also was awarded league MVP, playoffs MVP and the OHL championship with the London Knights. While it seems that there is nothing less for Cowan to prove at the junior level, Berube added his perspective. He said that Cowan has got the work ethic but added that he wants the youngster to show that he doesn’t have those “junior habits” that young players may still obtain coming out of junior.
Another thing to add about young players is that Knies is coming into Leafs training camp making a statement. Since the last camp, the 22-year-old gained ten pounds, taking him up to 227 at 6-foot-3. Considering how Berube wants to play, Knies will be a great fit for his system. Toronto could see an outstanding breakout season for Knies.
Main Photo: Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images
