Toronto Maple Leafs coach Craig Berube hasn’t even started training camp, and he’s already facing a crucial decision.
The Toronto Maple Leafs have a gaping need for a second-line centre. Now, you might be thinking that John Tavares has been the club’s second-line centre for the past six seasons.
Yes, he’s played in that role. But frankly speaking, he’s not quite what the Toronto Maple Leafs need at the position. Tavares is going through the same transition that Steven Stamkos did in Tampa. As such, Tavares would be better suited for the third-line centre role or perhaps moving to the wing.
If that’s the case, then who slots in behind Auston Matthews on the second line?
I’ve written in the past about how the Leafs urgently need a second-line centre. However, these players don’t come by too often. When they’re available, they can cost an arm and a leg. Plus, let’s be real here: the Leafs don’t have the prospects, draft picks, or cap space to swing a deal for someone like, say, Elias Petterson or Brock Nelson (on the low end).
So, what’s the answer to the dilemma? The answer could very well be right in front of Berube’s nose.
Moving William Nylander and Mitch Marner to Centre
When setting out to write this piece, I thought about moving Nylander to centre. He was originally intended to be a centre but didn’t quite work out in that position.
Marner has played all over the ice throughout his career, including defence, so he could theoretically handle the situation. So, here’s a thought: Why not move both players to centre?
For instance, a second line consisting of Marner at centre with Matthew Knies and Tavares on the wings could be an interesting option.
Nylander could easily handle the third-line job. In the past, Sheldon Keefe dropped Nylander to the third line to take the heat off of him. So, why not try that on a more consistent basis? A third line in which Nylander centres Bobby McMann and Pontus Holmberg could become a very effective scoring unit. Additionally, worker bees like McMann and Holmberg can cover up for Nylander’s lack of defensive engagement.
I know I might be stretching things a bit by suggesting both Marner and Nylander move to centre. But I believe there’s merit to trying both players out and seeing what happens. It’s clear that Keefe’s lineup design has not worked. The Toronto Maple Leafs were too predictable, hence why Boston won last year’s first-round series.
Berube needs to shake things up as much as possible. There’s no sense in clinging to anything from the past. Berube owes no one any favours. He’s got a blank slate. Outside of keeping Matthews on the top line, everything should be on the table.
If that situation means dropping Tavares to the fourth line and having Marner play defence, so be it. The Shanaplan is on its last legs. If things don’t work out this time, the next offseason will be an extremely painful one.
I just hope I can look back at this piece in a year’s time and reflect on how all this discussion was a prelude to the Leafs first Stanley Cup in a lifetime.