Maple Leafs Coach Sheldon Keefe Throws Some Shade at William Nylander
PUBLICATION
TJ Tucker
December 24, 2023 (12:02)
There's no doubt both have a ton of talent, but it seems like one of them is more favoured by the coach at the moment. In explaining his decision to separate Auston Matthews and William Nylander, Toronto Maple Leafs coach Sheldon Keefe seemed to lay the blame right on the feet of Nylander.
Matthews has been hot this season, scoring 26 goals in 29 games so far. Despite the fact that Nylander has been playing with him, Keefe said Nylander was moving because he's not consistent, and he's not the one getting Matthews to score.
"Probably the biggest thing is that we are coming off a couple of losses here. Despite the fact that Matthews has been scoring consistently, I don't know if I would say Willy has been a huge contributor to those goals. I believe that Auston could still continue to be Auston and work well no matter who we have him with."
Nylander is an unrestricted free agent at the end of this season, and comments like this just might help him make a decision on that front. While Matthews is leading in the goal department, Nylander has more points with 42 (15 G, 27A). Mitch Marner will slot into Nylander's spot with Matthews for tonight's game against the Blue Jackets.
POLL |
What do you think of Keefe's comments? |
He's right | 98 | 20.5 % |
He's right but could have worded it better | 162 | 34 % |
He's wrong | 169 | 35.4 % |
I'm not sure | 48 | 10.1 % |
List of polls |
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