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3 Toronto Maple Leafs Who Will Benefit from the Coaching Change

By Todd Cordell

LAVAL, QC - MARCH 08: Head coach of the Toronto Marlies Sheldon Keefe looks on from behind the bench against the Laval Rocket during the AHL game at Place Bell on March 8, 2019 in Laval, Quebec, Canada. The Toronto Marlies defeated the Laval Rocket 3-0. (Photo by Minas Panagiotakis/Getty Images)
LAVAL, QC - MARCH 08: Head coach of the Toronto Marlies Sheldon Keefe looks on from behind the bench against the Laval Rocket during the AHL game at Place Bell on March 8, 2019 in Laval, Quebec, Canada. The Toronto Marlies defeated the Laval Rocket 3-0. (Photo by Minas Panagiotakis/Getty Images) /
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The Toronto Maple Leafs sent shock-waves through the hockey world on Wednesday when they relieved head coach Mike Babcock of his duties.

Taking over behind the bench of the Toronto Maple Leafs will be Sheldon Keefe, who previously enjoyed great success working with Kyle Dubas in both the AHL and OHL.

Keefe is a very modern coach who values puck possession, zone entries, and maximizing the skill sets on hand, rather than dumbing things down and trying to play a low-event, conservative brand of hockey.

While I think that will greatly benefit the team as a whole, it will help some players more than others.

Let’s take a look at three who should be most excited about the change.

Tyson Barrie

The start to his Maple Leafs tenure couldn’t have gone much worse. Normally one of the most prolific offensive defenders in the league, Barrie has just seven points (zero goals!) through 23 games.

He hasn’t been afforded the opportunity to quarterback a top power play unit, nor the freedom to jump into the play and create chances at 5v5 as he has in the past.

The emphasis Babcock and his staff put on low-to-high plays, and getting point shots, helped increase Barrie’s shot volume, but at the cost of his chance generation. That shows in the numbers.

"View post on imgur.com"

I think Keefe will give Barrie more of a green light to jump into the play and create. I also think he’ll get more run on the power play, where he is at his best. He’ll be put into positives situations and allowed to play to his strengths.

William Nylander

Dating back to the beginning of the 2017-18 season, six Maple Leafs forwards have averaged more time on ice per game than Nylander – including the likes of Patrick Marleau and Zach Hyman.

I understand Marleau is no longer in the picture but that is inexcusable usage for one of the game’s more skilled players.

Nylander did get more consistent run under Babcock this season but, as usual, any time he stood out his game was met by backhanded compliments. Nylander almost certainly felt like he was walking on eggshells – and understandably so.

Under Keefe, who he played for with the Marles in 2015-16, Nylander will be able to do what he does best: make skill plays. He’ll also probably get some extra minutes when trailing that Babcock generally didn’t allocate to his top players.

Travis Dermott

For whatever reason, Babcock has been hesitant to take the training wheels off Dermott. He constantly plays on the 3rd pairing unless – unless out of necessity – despite very strong on-ice numbers.

He led the blueline in Corsi For% a season ago yet ranked 6th among defenders in average 5v5 ice per game.

It’s been more of the same this season as, though Dermott’s numbers are middle of the pack, he continues to be glued to the 3rd pairing.

Next. The Season's Most Disappointing Player. dark

We know how sheltered Rasmus Sandin was during his time with the big club and he only saw *checks notes* nine seconds fewer of ice per game than Dermott at 5v5.

numbers via NaturalStatTrick.com

Like many members of this Toronto Maple Leafs team, Dermott enjoyed great success under Keefe. The latter knows what he’ll get, and he knows how to use him. I think that will make a difference.

 

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