Toronto Maple Leafs star forward William Nylander appeared to take a veiled dig at his former coach, Sheldon Keefe. With the team kicking off training camp on September 18, players are beginning to address the media again. On September 19, it was confirmed that Nylander will start the season at center, and new coach Craig Berube indicated that the move could be permanent.

Last season, Nylander tried playing at center but was shifted out of the position after just two games. When asked what had changed since then, the Swedish forward made a subtle remark directed at his former coach.”I’m excited. I told Chief (Berube) that the most important thing is you can’t just play one game if you want to try center. So, we agreed on that. Give it a proper chance, and hopefully, it goes well,” Nylander said on September 19.

Nylander, with a grin, remarked, “What’d I play, one game? I don’t know. You might have to ask my old coach about that.” This subtle dig at former coach Sheldon Keefe hinted at Nylander’s frustration over not being given a proper chance to play center. However, the Swedish forward is enthusiastic about the opportunity under Craig Berube, who has shown trust in him to take on the role of centerman this season.
Nylander is set to begin the first year of his eight-year, $92 million contract with the Toronto Maple Leafs.