Will Craig Berube keep Mitch Marner on Auston Matthews’ wing, or will he consider William Nylander as the better option? That’s the million dollar question.
Auston Matthews is unquestionably the best player on the Maple Leafs’ roster. He had a stellar season last year, scoring 69 goals and recording 107 points in 81 games, leading the team in both categories, earning his third Maurice “Rocket” Richard Trophy in four seasons.
With a new head coach at the helm for the Maple Leafs next season, changes to the lines are likely. The key question is whether Mitch Marner will remain on Matthews’ wing or if William Nylander will ride shotgun on the top line.
Matthews, a generational goal-scoring talent, has thrived alongside the playmaking Marner, who is known for his exceptional vision and has posted multiple 60-assist seasons in his eight years in the NHL. However, Matthews has demonstrated that he can score without Marner, as shown by his performance in the second half of last season with new linemates Max Domi and Tyler Bertuzzi.
Berube might opt to move Marner back to John Tavares’ wing, aiming to recreate the successful partnership they had during Tavares’ 47-goal season in 2018-19. This adjustment could open the door for Nylander to join Matthews, potentially reuniting a dynamic duo from the past as both players have exceptional shooting abilities. Nylander and Matthews together would likely keep goalies on their toes, unsure of who will take the shot.
While both Marner and Nylander are excellent options for the top line, personally, I would lean towards pairing Nylander with Matthews and allowing Marner to drive another line with his impressive passing and playmaking abilities. We’ll see which way Berube and company lean come opening night.
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