Sheldon Keefe is fed up with 2 of his highest paid players and is ready to make changes
Both William Nylander and John Tavares have struggled at point this season, and it appears their head coach is finally at the point that he can't take it anymore. After starting the season extremely strong, both players have seemed to suddenly decide that they have absolutely zero chemistry together. As practice began there was a decidedly different look among the Maple Leafs' top six forwards.
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It can be immediately noted that William Nylander is no longer listed among the top 6 forwards, as he found himself replaced by the returning Ondrej Kase. When asked about the change Keefe was blunt about the second line's performance.
I've been patient with Tavares-Nylander combo. Time to shake it up with neither player performing to their standard.
Neither Tavares or Nylander has looked comfortable playing together since the Maple Leafs' post COVID restart. When asked what he'd like to see different out of William Nylander, Keefe was also very blunt.
Move his feet, get involved, get engaged on both sides of the puck ... things have really stalled here.
I don't know what's our third line, what's our fourth line.
I don't know what's our third line, what's our fourth line.
It's clear that the Maple Leafs who have been struggling of late are no longer accepting the mediocre play of their $40,000,000 Core 4.
| POLL | ||
If the Leafs trade one of the "Core 4" who will it be? | ||
| Auston Matthews | 54 | 4.9 % |
| Mitch Marner | 62 | 5.7 % |
| William Nylander | 631 | 57.8 % |
| John Tavares | 345 | 31.6 % |
| List of polls | ||
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