Early last year during training camp, rumors flew around Leaf Nation that William Nylander would be getting reps at center. Something that rarely happened last year (rare enough that he only got a couple face-offs and matchups in very few games) could be something that works out very well for the Leafs in 2025.

“I’m excited. I told Chief that the most important thing is, like, you can’t play just one game if you want to try center,” Nylander said Thursday. “So, we agree on that. Give it a go, and hopefully it goes well.”

With new bench boss Craig Berube leading the charge, we’ll be seeing a more balanced, thoughtfully laid out top nine, rather than a loaded top 6. Toronto wants a balanced offensively sound top nine with defensively responsible lines as well.

From the center, Nylander can move the puck up ice, give  it to either wingers, or dash in any direction with his exceptional edgework and vision. He’s always been a speedy forward, and new positioning will be beneficial for the whole of the Maple Leafs. He is strong, and skilled enough to be successful wherever on the rink. The value that Nylander could offer at center automatically outweighs the value he had as a winger. Having Nylander play down the middle, it allows you to matchup John Tavares as the team’s third line center, giving him and his linemates easier matchups to be able to perform to the best of their abilities.

“As a center iceman, you’re playing in your end down low,” Berube said, highlighting Nylander’s transition from wing to center. “Areas like that, breakouts and things like that, being in the right position, working to get back there quickly to help the (defense) out. I don’t think it’s going to be an issue with him getting the puck and transporting up the ice, he’s an elite player and he has that ability. It’s the details of the defensive part of the game, the breakouts and things like that, that takes a little more time.”

Odds end up that Nylander will center Max Domi and Calle Jarnkrok, both capable offensively with their own special talents. That leaves Matthews with the easy answer being between Knies and Marner, and that would leave Tavares running a line with McMann and Robertson.

It’ll be a change nonetheless for the Swede, and it’ll allow the Leafs to balance out their lines better to matchup against the opposition. Berube is already putting his stamp on this team, and this change is one of the many new looks we will see with this hockey club. No matter where he plays, Nylander will always be a successful player that exceeds projections. Look for Nylander to get extended looks at center, and don’t expect to see him back on the wing in the near future.