Auston Matthew Demands Craig Berube to Make a Major Change on the First Line
Toronto Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews is looking for a new linemate to replace Mitch Marner, and his latest request to Craig Berube is very telling.
Going into this season, Auston Matthews and Matthew Knies will have to play on the first line without their former teammate, Mitch Marner.
This has created a huge opportunity for some of the wingers on the team, who are attempting to get on the first line, where their talents would be on full display.
For much of training camp, Mattias Maccelli has been given a spot next to Matthews on the right win, although Max Domi is also looking for the same opportunity.
Auston Matthews gives the ultimate co-sign to Max Domi
With Max Domi being demoted to the third line due to an injury to Scott Laughton, Matthews seems to be backing up his teammate.
According to TSN, Matthews had a lot of nice things to say about Domi and is sending a clear message to head coach Craig Berube.
It's been good. I've played with Max a lot. I'm really comfortable with him and I know the spots that he likes to get into as well as Kniesy. I think each practice we've had, you know, the more reps we get together, the more comfortable we feel.
Matthews gave a laundry list of reasons why Domi is deserving of being on the first line, and you have to wonder if Berube is listening.
He's really patient with the puck. He's really good at drawing guys into him and finding lanes. He can pass on his forehand, he can pass on his backhand, and he's really strong on the puck too.
He wins battles and he's able to find areas. So, you know, my experience playing with him, I just try to support him and get open and I know that I have to be ready at all times because the puck can come whenever. He's a really easy player to play with. He's got a great brain and super smart out there and, like I said, he's a great, great passer.
He wins battles and he's able to find areas. So, you know, my experience playing with him, I just try to support him and get open and I know that I have to be ready at all times because the puck can come whenever. He's a really easy player to play with. He's got a great brain and super smart out there and, like I said, he's a great, great passer.
Ultimately, you have to appreciate the captain going to bat for a teammate like this.
Only time will tell whether or not we get to see Domi on the first line to start the season.
| POLL | ||
OCTOBRE 5 | 447 ANSWERS Auston Matthew Demands Craig Berube to Make a Major Change on the First Line Do you believe Max Domi should be on the first line with Auston Matthews? | ||
| YES | 189 | 42.3 % |
| NO | 258 | 57.7 % |
| List of polls | ||