Craig Berube had high praise for defenseman Chris Tanev, who brings a lot of character and grit to the ice. Berube emphasized how Tanev puts it all on the line for his team. From blocking shots to being a solid penalty killer, Tanev does the dirty work against the top players on opposing teams.
Berube also mentioned Tanev’s relentless effort, saying he’s the type of player who makes a second and third attempt to stop the puck. No wonder he’s such a valuable defender!
“He’s a character guy, a team guy, and he lays it all on the line. Blocking shots, paying attention to the details in his game—he’s a solid defender and a strong penalty killer,” Berube said.
On the flip side, fans were worried when Auston Matthews took some time off. But rest easy, Leafs Nation—Matthews is feeling much better now. In his own words, it was “just maintenance stuff, nothing crazy,” and he’s ready to get back into action. A little rest goes a long way, and Auston’s feeling good again.
🎙️ Auston Matthews:
— Leafslatest (@Leafslatest) September 27, 2024
"Feeling much better. Just maintenance stuff, nothing crazy, but just kind of needed a couple days to let it settle down and I'm feeling good now."
— @markhmasters #leafsforever
Speaking of top Leafs, Craig Berube also weighed in on William Nylander’s performance at centre. “He’s been better and better in my opinion. I watch him practice situational stuff and coming in our zone. It’s all about him moving his feet without the puck,” the HC said.
According to Berube, Nylander’s improving with each practice. The key, he says, is that Nylander’s learning to move his feet more without the puck, especially when coming into the defensive zone. It’s exciting to see Nylander growing in this role!
Mats Sundin has his two-pence on Auston Matthews
Meanwhile, Leafs legend Mats Sundin reflected on his time in Toronto and shared some thoughts on Matthews’ future in the city. Sundin couldn’t help but mention how special it is to play in Toronto, where the pressure is on not just the star players but everyone, right down to the backup goalies.
“My 13 years here were the most fun of my pro career. It’s not just about the star players; it’s about everyone, right down to the backup goalies,” Mats Sundin said, per Leandro McConnell.
He also talked about his own scoring record Mats Sundin saids, saying he fully expects Matthews to break them—if not this year, then next. “That’s the way it should be,” said Sundin, graciously passing the torch.
“Beating Darryl’s record was a highlight, and Auston is obviously going to beat mine, whether it’s this year or next,” the Leafs great quipped.
Joseph Woll’s Star Wars Lego
And here’s a fun one—Joseph Woll, the Leafs goalie, shared a hilarious story about his unexpected Lego dilemma. During his breakout season last year, Woll’s parents gifted him a massive Star Wars Lego set for Christmas.
But with all the chaos of his rising career, the thought of sitting down to build it became overwhelming. When his old billet parents from his US Development days tried to give him more Lego for his birthday, Woll jokingly said, “No, thanks!” Turns out, even Legos can be stressful when you’re a goalie on the rise!
Joseph Woll kept getting so many LEGO sets as gifts that he had to ask people to stop buying them 🤣
— B/R Open Ice (@BR_OpenIce) September 25, 2024
(via @joshuakloke, h/t @itsmitchmarney) pic.twitter.com/OsaL6eZ8Ru
Woll’s had a great sense of humor about it all, especially when talking about the Boston goal horn, which he said brought back some “bad memories.” It’s clear he’s a goalie with both skills and a sharp sense of humor.
As the Leafs’ camp continues, the excitement is building, and so is the team chemistry. Let’s see what comes away after game 4.