REPORT: Leafs Sheldon Keefe reveals his now long-term plan for John Tavares
The Toronto Maple Leafs made a huge move this past weekend and brought in former Stanley Cup Champion Ryan O'Reilly from the St. Louis Blues. They managed to do it without trading any of their big name prospects and roster players, so it's a significant upgrade to their lineup.
Through his first 3 games now with the Maple Leafs, O'Reilly has 3 goals and 2 assists, and looks to be fitting in with the roster nicely.
Many believed that when O'Reilly was brought in, he would be the 3rd line center behind Auston Matthews and John Tavares, but last night the Maple Leafs experimented with O'Reilly at the second line center, which John Tavares playing on his wing, and well, it worked. The Maple Leafs dominated the Buffalo Sabres, a team they for some reason usually lose to.
Now after the success the team showed last night, head coach Sheldon Keefe revealed that this is something that is here to stay.
Sheldon Keefe on what he told John Tavares before moving him to the wing: «It's not a one-off. We're gonna stay with it here.»
Sheldon Keefe on what he told John Tavares before moving him to the wing: «It's not a one-off. We're gonna stay with it here.»� Joshua Kloke (@joshuakloke) February 21, 2023
Tavares is having a great season 26 goals and 60 points in 58 games, so it's hard to imagine taking a point per game player away from his position in which he is thriving in, but taking away the two-way burden of the center role, could help Tavares thrive even more offensively.
It will be interesting to see how this line of Tavares - O'Reilly - Marner, gels for the remainder of the season.
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