The Maple Leafs aren’t off to the kind of start fans were hoping for, and head coach Craig Berube isn’t dancing around it. With two losses in their first three games, the message from behind the bench is pretty simple: the top guys need to step it up, and that includes their $92,000,000 star player.
What’s Holding the Maple Leafs Back Early in the Season?
There’s no real chemistry clicking in the top six right now, and it shows. This team is loaded with offensive talent, but so far, they’re still trying to get into sync. William Nylander, fresh off signing that eight-year, $92 million contract, has already found himself under the microscope, fairly or not.
“Willy needs more shots,” Berube said after Monday’s 4-2 defeat to Detroit Red Wings.
Now, Berube didn’t exactly call him out, but the message was loud and clear. Nylander’s had some solid shifts and moments that flash back to the guy who nearly hit 100 points last year, but the consistency just hasn’t been there.
“He doesn’t have enough shots. He came into Detroit, he didn’t have any, had one or two tonight, we need to get it to him more. He needs to shoot more, he needs to attack more, he’s got to get on the inside more, things like that. So, yes, we do need more out of him.”
“There are shifts and times where he’s skating, but I just feel like it’s not enough,” Berube added.
Tough Love from Berube as Leafs Search for Answers
Right now, Matthews and Marner are carrying most of the offensive weight, while secondary scoring continues to lag. Berube has been hammering home structure and accountability since his arrival, and it’s clear he expects more agreement across the board.
That said, it’s not time to panic. It’s still early October, and everyone’s adjusting. Berube’s tone feels more like someone setting expectations than someone ringing alarm bells.
Berube wants more precision, more urgency, especially from players like Nylander, who can flip a game when they’re fully engaged.
“We need more out of him…I think it’s a little bit new linemates too, I don’t know exactly what it is to be honest with you, but I’ll have a conversation with him and he where he’s at and what’s going on,” Berube added.
Next up is a home game on Thursday against the Nashville Predators. They’re a structured, disciplined team that won’t give Toronto much room to breathe. It’s a good test and a chance for Nylander to show precisely why the Leafs bet big on him.
