"Direct shot at Keefe": NHL fans react to William Nylander's statement on ex-Leafs HC ending center experiment prematurely

Toronto Maple Leafs forward William Nylander made some interesting comments regarding the team's failed attempt to transition him to center last season under former head coach Sheldon Keefe.

When asked about starting at center again under new coach Craig Berube, Nylander said:

"I'm excited. I told Chief that the most important thing is I can't just play one game if you want to try center. We agree on that..." Nylander said Thursday to media.

Nylander then seemingly took a subtle jab at ex-Maple Leafs coach Sheldon Keefe. Nylander was expected to get a run of games at center after last preseason. However, it did not pan out that way. When asked why last year's experiment at center was so short, he said:

"I don't know. You'll have to ask my old coach."

Fans on social media reacted strongly to Nylander's comments of Keefe ending the center experiment too quickly last season.

One fan wrote,

"Direct shot at Keefe Imaoo."

Another tweeted,

"What’s crazy to me is how he’s skilled enough to do it, he wants to do it, his contract looks great if he does do it, but he was still not given the proper chance last season. It fixes a lot of the Leafs' problems if this works"

Here are some fan reactions:

"Sheldon's tenure will be revealed to be what contributed most to team failure, I think." one fan wrote on X.

"Sheldon Queef in the crosshairs" another fan wrote.

"That's fair. But now he has to back it up and show everyone that Keefe was wrong." a user commented.

"its been reported many times he just doesn't want center so it's weird to pretend its all keefe's fault." another user commented.

Last season, Keefe made the decision to try Nylander at center instead of his natural wing position, claiming it wouldn't just be a one-time trial. However, William Nylander never got an extended look at center, ultimately spending most of the season back on the wing where he thrived offensively.

Maple Leafs HC Craig Berube on William Nylander taking center

Craig Berube recognizes the offensive talents that William Nylander brings to the center position, his elite puck skills and ability to transport the puck up ice.

"I don't think it's going to be an issue with him getting the puck and transporting it up the ice. He's an elite player. He has that ability," Berube said (as per Sportsnet).

However, Berube notes there will be an adjustment period as William Nylander learns playing center, particularly on the defensive side of the puck.

Berube reportedly plans to communicate regularly with Nylander throughout this transition, focusing on sharpening those aspects of his game.