Auston Matthews assigned new role with the Toronto Maple Leafs
Photo credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
Toronto Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews remains one of the most important players on the team, and now, he is being presented with a revised role.
Auston Matthews and the Toronto Maple Leafs have struggled this season when it comes to the team's power play. They convert at just 15.2 percent and are ranked 15th in the NHL.
Overall, these numbers are pretty awful, and it is clear as day that the Maple Leafs need to be a lot better. While they have gone to a five-forward unit, it has not been enough to make the team any better.
Fans are wondering if the Leafs will make changes, especially with Auston Matthews struggling in the quarterback spot on the power play.
Well, according to Darren Dreger of TSN, head coach Craig Berube has made a change, and it is one that will be better for everyone.
Toronto Maple Leafs power play gets a new look
Simply put, do not expect Matthews to be the quarterback on the power play anymore. Instead, he will be on the flank.
Auston Matthews is expected to return to the flank on the Leafs power play tonight in Carolina (if they get one).
Matthews has been at the QB spot on the all-five-forward unit this season; however, it hasn't quite worked out.
Matthews has been at the QB spot on the all-five-forward unit this season; however, it hasn't quite worked out.
This is an important game for Matthews, who has not been able to maintain a point-per-game pace this season. He has just 18 points in 21 games, and 10 of them are goals.
He is on track for fewer than 40 goals this season, and the fans want to see him up his game and prove all of the doubters wrong, once and for all.
If he can't start turning things around, then there is a real chance that Leafs fans start doubting Matthews further. He had 69 goals just two seasons ago. Now, he can't get anywhere close to that.
Only time will tell whether or not Matthews is on a permanent decline, or if there is something else going on that the fanbase simply isn't privy to.
| POLL | ||
DECEMBRE 4 | 456 ANSWERS Auston Matthews assigned new role with the Toronto Maple Leafs Do you believe Auston Matthews is playing well enough for the Toronto Maple Leafs right now? | ||
| YES | 193 | 42.3 % |
| NO | 263 | 57.7 % |
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