Canada Sport News

William Nylander to play centre for Maple Leafs in training camp

William Nylander to play centre for Maple Leafs in training camp

September 18, 2024

Training camp hasn’t started yet and new Toronto Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube is already shaking things up.

Berube met with the media Tuesday and said William Nylander will start at centre.

Nylander was drafted as a centre when the Maple Leafs selected him eighth overall in 2014 but has primarily played on the wing over his nine seasons with the team.

The 28-year-old holds a career 50.4 faceoff win percentage.

Nylander registered a career-high 98 points (40 goals and 58 assists) last season and signed an eight-year, $92 million contract extension in January.

The Maple Leafs hired Berube in May after firing Sheldon Keefe following the team’s first-round playoff exit against the Boston Bruins. Berube coached the St. Louis Blues to the Stanley Cup in 2019.

Toronto’s first on-ice session is Thursday with the team opening pre-season action Sunday against the Ottawa Senators.

The Toronto Maple Leafs have announced that William Nylander will be transitioning to the centre position for the upcoming training camp. This move comes as a bit of a surprise to some, as Nylander has primarily played as a winger throughout his NHL career.

Nylander, who was drafted by the Maple Leafs in the first round of the 2014 NHL Draft, has shown flashes of brilliance on the wing, but the team believes that his skill set and hockey IQ make him a strong candidate to play down the middle.

Head coach Sheldon Keefe has expressed confidence in Nylander’s ability to make the transition smoothly, citing his vision on the ice and ability to create scoring opportunities for his teammates. Keefe also believes that Nylander’s speed and agility will make him a dynamic presence at centre.

Nylander himself has embraced the challenge of playing a new position, stating that he is excited to learn and grow in this new role. He has been working diligently in the offseason to improve his faceoff skills and defensive play, two areas that are crucial for success at the centre position.

It will be interesting to see how Nylander adapts to his new role during training camp and preseason games. If he can make a successful transition to centre, it could provide the Maple Leafs with added depth and versatility in their lineup.

Overall, this move showcases the team’s willingness to experiment and try new things in order to maximize their potential on the ice. Fans will undoubtedly be keeping a close eye on Nylander as he embarks on this new chapter in his career.