Nylander played one game at center during the 2024 preseason before shifting back to his usual spot on the right wing.
Nylander played one game at center during the 2024 preseason before shifting back to his usual spot on the right wing.
For the second straight season, the Toronto Maple Leafs have experimented with William Nylander at center, only to return him to the right-wing position as the regular season approaches. The 28-year-old played just one game at center during the 2024 preseason – the club’s opener against the Ottawa Senators on September 22 – before resuming his familiar role on the wing. When asked on Monday how it felt to return to the wing after his brief stint in the middle, Nylander’s response was straightforward.
“Just normal,” he told reporters.
[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G3OA5kq3utQ[/embed]
While the topic has generated plenty of buzz from fans given his potential as a centerman, Nylander appears indifferent to the ongoing conversation. His responses suggest that he’s willing to play wherever head coach Craig Berube needs him, but he’s not letting the topic overshadow his mindset heading into the new season.
Whether it’s center or on the wing, Nylander doesn’t seem focused on getting caught up in positional labels. He’d further allude to this when acknowledging that the speculation around his role seems more like an external narrative than something that concerns him.
“Yeah, it's whatever,” Nylander said when asked if the position could be an option in the future. “It's like, position's no big deal. If you want me to play center, I'll play center. There might be a couple of things that aren't perfect, but that's the way it would go.”
“It doesn't really matter. It's such a big conversation between you guys. For me, it doesn't matter, really,” he added.
The Maple Leafs did give Nylander reps at center during training camp, but he has since returned to the right wing, playing alongside captain John Tavares in the middle and Max Domi on the left wing. Nylander noted that he’s gained some understanding of the center position and could be ready if called upon. Still, he seems comfortable on the wing while keeping the option of playing center in his back pocket should the need arise.
"I got him out there with Johnny and Max right now. I told Willy just keep banging away at it, keep working on it, keep taking reps in practice," Berube said on Friday when asked about Nylander starting the regular season at center.
"It takes time. It's not just going to happen overnight. I don't know. I don't think we need to talk about it anymore, to be honest with you.”
For now, it seems that the position debate is taking a back seat. The two sides look to be on the same page regarding the position, but as he continues to take reps, he’ll remain flexible to play center if need be – especially for a shift or two.
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