Given that the Toronto Maple Leafs require a long-term solution to anchor the second unit if they want to be considered true Cup contenders, the team has a dependable number-two center to play behind Auston Matthews.
Behind Auston Matthews, the Toronto Maple Leafs require a center. The Toronto Maple Leafs have had John Tavares fill that role for the past six seasons, but it might be time to hire someone else.
This is the point I want to make because I support the Leafs’ calls to move Tavares to the wing. Obviously, Tavares is as yet an awesome NHL focus, yet his creation declined by 15 last season, and notwithstanding brilliant high level details that proposed he was for the most part getting unfortunate, he is 33 years of age and his vocation as a tip top player could be stretched out by moving him to a simpler position. The Toronto Maple Leafs Need a Second-Line Center It would appear that Tavares is unable to keep up with players like William Nylander. Therefore, why not give the role to someone else? However, that is the issue. The Maple Leafs don’t really have anyone who could fill that role unless they move Marner’s position.
Sheldon Keefe tried Nylander in the center, but his results were mixed. Last season, Max Domi played down the middle, but the fact that he needs to be shielded so much throws off all of the other lines and he was clearly more effective with Matthews than anywhere else makes it hard for him to play there. Pontus Holmberg, for example, might get a chance to center a line with Tavares and Nylander on the wings, who knows? Try some of the ideas above. The Leafs’ worst option is to do nothing. Be that as it may, a long-lasting arrangement is expected to address the Maple Leafs focus profundity. The current roster members could serve in the bottom six positions. However, there is no assurance that they will be able to perform second-line center duties throughout the entire season and playoffs.
The Maple Leafs used to have the best center depth in the league. Matthews, who was just starting out, played behind Tavares, who was in the middle of the top line. On a Leafs team with a lot of potential, Nazem Kadri was supposed to be the center of the third line. But when Kadri was suspended for two consecutive game-sevens, he had to leave on his own, and no team in the world would have brought him back. So, Kadri set out for Colorado. Kadri won a Cup in Colorado several seasons later, and the Leafs have a weak center. In an intriguing piece, James Tanner, a co-author of Editor in Leaf, suggested placing Mitch Marner in the center. It’s a good idea to pursue. Marner has the ability to play down the middle and the instincts to do so. Maybe a Marner-Tavares-Domi line could function admirably behind a Matthews-Knies-Nylander top unit.
The Leafs do, however, need to acquire a second-line center. Whether it’s this season or when John Tavares’s contract expires, the club needs someone to take his place. Soon, they won’t have a choice. According to my estimation, GM Brad Treliving will need to locate an individual whose contract is coming to an end who is willing to travel to Toronto and, ideally, extend it. Otherwise, the center may experience a moment of musical chairs.
I would much rather see a team that is supposed to compete for the Stanley Cup, like the Toronto Maple Leafs, find a dependable number-two center to relieve Matthews and the main unit of the pressure.
