As the Maple Leafs hit the ice at the Ford Performance Centre on Monday, a sense of anticipation filled the air. The team was gearing up for a team-bonding trip to cottage country, but before they embarked on their journey, there was work to be done.
The headline of the day was the William Nylander centre experiment. Nylander and linemate Max Domi were seen alternating between centre and right wing during practice, sparking intrigue among fans and analysts alike.
“It’s a little hybrid today,” explained head coach Craig Berube. “I want Max taking reps in the middle. I want Willy taking reps in the middle. That’s why it was designed that way today.”
Despite the attention surrounding the position switch, Nylander remained nonchalant. “It’s no big deal,” he insisted. “Wherever I end up playing, it doesn’t matter.”
The decision to test Nylander at centre was not made lightly. At the start of training camp, Nylander expressed the need for time to evaluate the transition. With only one full pre-season game under his belt, the 28-year-old forward has faced some challenges.
“In that aspect it’s been a little weird,” Nylander reflected on the limited playing time. “But other than that, I mean, I’ve been grinding every day. It’s not been easy practices. It’s been hard and a lot of defensive work, so it’s been good.”
This move to centre is not unfamiliar territory for Nylander. Last year, under former coach Sheldon Keefe, Nylander also tested the position during training camp. However, after just two pre-season games, he returned to his familiar role on the wing.
“‘Chief’ also wants me to be able to play the wing, if that happens,” Nylander remarked, referring to Berube by his nickname. “So, it’s just going back and forth. It’s still training camp.”
As the final week of training camp unfolds, the pressure is mounting. With only one more pre-season game on the horizon, decisions need to be made. Berube acknowledged the challenges Nylander faces in transitioning to centre.
“Listen, it’s a work in progress is the way I’d put it,” Berube admitted. “It’s not easy to just switch it over and play centre. Like, it’s a lot more on your plate. But, you know, I think he’s done a pretty good job of it, to be honest with you.”
The Maple Leafs’ journey towards the regular season continues, with Nylander at the centre of attention. Time will tell if this experiment pays off, but one thing is for certain – the excitement is building as the team prepares for the road ahead.