Leafs HC Craig Berube shares word of advice for 'nervous' Steven Lorentz ahead of line pairing with Auston Matthews, $65,408,000 star

Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner (signed to a six-year, $65.408 million contract) will see Steven Lorentz join them as their new left-winger on Tuesday night. The 28-year-old offseason signing has been bumped up to the top line amid the team's recent struggles.

Matthew Knies previously held the role alongside Matthews and Marner since the captain's comeback from injury on January 4th. However, Craig Berube switched things up after the line combined a -17 rating in a loss to Carolina and a -3 rating in a loss to Vancouver.

The Maple Leafs coach was asked about Steven Lorentz's addition to the line.

"He just brings energy to that line," Berube said of Lorentz. "I think you know, more than anything, size compete. Pretty simple game, obviously, but he's going to be at the net. He's going to forecheck for them, and he's going to get in there and create loose pucks and things like that."

Berube was asked about what he'll say to Lorentz who mentioned he's nervous about the promotion to play with Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner.

"Keep it simple, that's what I say to him," Berube said (12:20). "He doesn't need to change his game, you know, he just needs to do what he does. And you know, Matthews and Marner, they'll do what they do. You know, I don't think he needs to try to force to pucks and try to find him and things like that.

"You know, just keep playing your game and do your thing. It's just, you know, sometimes when you put a worker with two skilled players like that, you know, just the guy that's going to, you know, meat and potatoes guy, go to the net, hound pucks, create loose puck battles for these guys, you know, sometimes they need that."

Steven Lorentz has recorded nine points (four goals, five assists) in 44 games this season.

Steven Lorentz spoke about his upcoming opportunity to play with Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner

Steven Lorentz spoke to the media on Monday after practice and shared his feelings about joining the Maple Leafs' top line.

"I'm used too looking a bit lower down in the lineup for my name, but, you know I'm not gonna lie I, I was a little nervous at first," Lorentz said.

"Anytime you're playing with guys of that caliber, it's, I'm fortunate. But, you know you got a little bit bigger expectations at the same time, I realize that I'm not up their to play that skilled game that those guys are so good at."

While the Kitchener, Ontario native is used to playing in a bottom-six role, he's shown the ability to produce when given more of an opportunity. He recorded 19 points (10 goals, nine assists) in 2022-23 with the San Jose Sharks where he averaged 11:50 of ice time, the highest of his career.

Toronto's top line will lead them into action tonight against the Dallas Stars. The puck drops at 7 p.m. EST at Scotiabank Arena.