Before any premature talk of William and Alex Nylander playing together, best to first figure where Willy fits positionally.
True to new coach Craig Berube’s summer blueprint, Nylander lined up at centre on Thursday’s first day of camp workouts, leading to what could be interpreted as a swipe at Willy’s former boss’s roster management.
The elder Nylander said he and Berube had a deep discussion on the switch from right wing.
“I’m excited, I told Chief that the most important thing is I can’t just play one game if you want to try centre. We agree on that and hopefully it goes well.”
The follow-up query to Nylander was why the experiment didn’t fly longer last season than a night or two.
“I don’t know,” a smiling Nylander replied. “I might have to ask my old coach about that.”
Sheldon Keefe is now with the New Jersey Devils, of course, having believed Nylander’s greater value was on the right side of the second line, not as a challenge down the middle to No. 2 John Tavares. Nylander did have a second straight 40-goal year, though just one playoff goal and three assists in the seven-game loss to Boston.
Thursday, he debuted between Max Domi and Calle Jarnkrok. Taveres was in the practice group ahead of him between Bobby McMann and Nick Robertson.
Berube reiterated he likes how Nylander “transports” the puck through mid-ice, but added there’s a lot more than offence to the role of centre.
“We have to give him opportunity and time,” Berube cautioned. “We’ll see him in an exhibition game down the road, play a few games, see how he feels. But we’ll also be watching. You’re playing in your own end down low, breakouts, working to get back quick to help the defence … it’s the details that take more time.”
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FAMILY MATTERS
Alex and William drive to camp practices together from their joint residence, but one is making $11.5 million US this season, the other a low-grid AHL contract.
Those were the ground rules for Alex to join his brother as he attempts to re-start his NHL career from injuries, which got a big lift when he finished last season with 11 goals in 23 games with Columbus. Alex turned down a couple of other teams’ contract offers.
“It was best to go here, they really care about the development of players and can make me better,” said Alex, who was drafted at the same position as William, eighth overall by Buffalo, but is now on his fifth NHL team. “My brother was a big influence, and my dad (former NHLer Michael Nylander), my agent. We thought this was the best option in my career.
“It was a dream to be in the NHL and now a chance to play on the same team if it happens. I have to work hard to get there. I’m not thinking too far ahead, just the here and now.”
NICK KNOCKS AGAIN
That contractual cloud over Robertson this summer is still there, but he put on a sunny disposition Thursday.
While not wanting to discuss his trade request that eventually was laid aside for a one-year deal for the restricted free agent, Robertson agreed a big year under a new coach will give him the leverage he’s lacked.
“I signed here, I’m happy to be here,” he insisted of re-establishing his Toronto residence a few days ago. “It’s good to see everyone. I know I have to come in and build on last year, get to know the new system.”
Robertson bucked a series of injuries to stay healthy in 2023-24 and put up 27 points in 56 NHL games. His path back could be at right wing instead of left, starting at the former on Thursday with John Tavares as his centre while Bobby McMann took the left.
“If coach wants me there, I’m happy to play there,” Robertson said.
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LOOSE LEAFS
Defenceman Simon Benoit missed the first day of camp as he and his partner welcomed their first child on Wednesday, the day before Benoit’s 26th birthday. That meant Benoit’s regular defence pairing with Jake McCabe became Oliver Ekman-Larsson, while Chris Tanev joined Morgan Rielly as expected … Watching from the stands on Thursday was Jake Muzzin, who had to retire in 2023 with a spinal injury. He saw L.A. and Toronto teammate Kyle Clifford and newcomer Tanev wearing his old No. 8 … Tavares on coming back this year without the captaincy is a non-defined role. “I’m as driven as I’ve ever been.”
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