Craig Berube facing tough situation with Maple Leafs star: demotion coming

The Toronto Maple Leafs have many decisions to make ahead of the 2024/25 regular season, and after a recent report, one of those is becoming more critical than others. According to Luke Fox of Sportsnet, captain John Tavares is set to anchor the third line in 2024/25, giving Craig Berube the critical decision; who centers the second line now?

According to Fox, the second line center position is now up for grabs, with Mitch Marner and William Nylander reportedly becoming the two favourites for the critical role. On one hand, playing down the middle is a huge opportunity, but whoever doesn't get the role will likely play the right wing alongside Auston Matthews on the top line, a role that almost anyone in the NHL would love.

Last season, the Maple Leafs looked to move Nylander down the middle, but he would ultimately return to the wing during the year, but after paying him a huge deal, it now makes sense that they would like to push him back to the middle. With Marner's future up in the air, it's unclear exactly what Berube is thinking, but with the regular season approaching quickly, he will need to figure things out if they are to start the season well.

Source: Hockey Feed
Demotion coming to star forward in Toronto as Craig Berube faces tough call