Tough choice for the Maple Leafs’ new head coach:
Toronto Maple Leafs new head coach Craig Berube faces a first tough challenge with his team as he needs to choose his second-line center and the decision comes between Mitch Marner and William Nylander. With a new bench boss and the departure of Tyler Bertuzzi in free agency, the Maple Leafs lines are starting from scratch and Editor in Leaf pointed how either Marner or Nylander will be demoted as one will get the job to center the second line.
It has recently been reported by Luke Fox of Sportsnet that captain John Tavares will be pushed down to the third line, leaving Berube with the choice between Marner and Nylander to become his second-line center.
Last season, Nylander attempted to take the reins at center, but was ultimate flipped to the wing. In the meantime, Marner did play well in the position in recent years with Max Domi moving up next to Auston Matthews and getting rookie Matthew Knies in the mix. Marner is a solid two-way player and could find the perfect spot in the middle of the second line in 2024-25.
There is no doubt that Tavares will be replaced at the 2C in Toronto, but I guess time will tell on whether Marner or Nylander is the one Berube trusts to take over the role.
Last year, Nylander put together his second straight 40 goal season, tallying a career high in points with 98 in 80 games played, while Marner posted an 85 point campaign in just 69 contests played and free agency looming over his head next summer.
Berube might not have made his choice yet and this could call for a wild audition during training camp and the pre-season in Toronto.
