William Nylander: Is Shifting To Center A Good Move
By Tim Chiasson
Sep 24, 2014; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Ottawa Senators defenseman Chris Phillips (4) defends against Toronto Maple Leafs forward William Nylander (62) at the Air Canada Centre. Ottawa defeated Toronto 4-3 in an overtime shoot-out. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports
David Chernish
I believe William Nylander will play centre this year because the Maple Leafs need to know what they have. If Nylander can put up big points this year as a centre in the AHL, imagine in 3 years in the NHL, when he is most likely 6’0 190 lbs at 22 years old and 1st line centre with more knowledge of the centre position.
What’s the worst that could happen with him being a centre this year? The organization finding out he’s better suited as a winger that’s a sniper?
Even on the wing Nylander still has the potential to put up 70-80 pts per year at the NHL level. The keyword there: potential. Since the Leafs lucked out of getting Dylan Strome they still need a centre.
Maybe William Nylander is the answer, they will only know if they try.
Next: Robb Ellis' Thoughts