"There's been an adjustment period": NHL insider addresses potential 'friction' involving William Nylander & Craig Berube

By Zachary Roberts

Modified Nov 13, 2024 17:39 GMT

At times, it appeared that there may be some issues between Toronto Maple Leafs star William Nylander and new coach Craig Berube. Overall, it has worked, as they are in second place in the Atlantic Division with a 9-6-2 record. However, things have been tense.

NHL insider Chris Johnston believes this is what Berube was brought in to do. He thought that the team had talent but needed a coach who could bring out the best in them.

That can look and feel awkward at first but it resulted in a recent encounter during a game where Nylander didn't appear to be engaged while Berube was furious.

"I think it's pretty clear that Berube has been brought here to push this team and some of these players in different ways," Johnston said on Wednesday, via 'First Up.' "And, you know, he's got his own style. So I think that it's fair to say there's been an adjustment period. You know, I don't, I wouldn't call it friction, at least not my perception of it at this stage."

Stars are used to different styles of coaching, and Berube's style has forced some adjustments on the part of all players on the roster. It has worked well so far, and it could get even better as the players get more comfortable under him as the season progresses.

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Coach rips William Nylander's Maple Leafs after disappointing loss

On Tuesday, Toronto was shut out by the Ottawa Senators, falling 3-0 for their sixth loss of the season. It was a disappointing performance, and Leafs coach Craig Berube didn't mince words. Nylander had five unsuccessful shots on goal all night.

Craig Berube called out the Maple Leafs (Imagn)

"There wasn’t much good to talk about with the game overall," Berube said after the game, via Maple Leafs Hot Stove. "We got outskated. They wanted it more than us. That is the bottom line."

He added that the team needs to own the puck more, but that it comes down to just being better on offense:

"We have to generate more attempts at the net with people at the net and create offense that way," Berube said. "We just didn’t do a good enough job tonight. Overall, it’s just not a good game."

Wiliam Nylander and the Leafs will be back in action on Wednesday against the Washington Capitals.