After Saturday’s victory against the New York Rangers, Toronto Maple Leafs Head Coach Sheldon Keefe faced questions regarding benching key players William Nylander, Tyler Bertuzzi, and Max Domi.
Keefe expressed frustration with his star-studded second line, highlighting their defensive shortcomings. Over the last five games, Bertuzzi, Domi, and Nylander have consistently ranked among the league leaders in shots allowed per 60 minutes at five-on-five play.
Despite Keefe’s valid concerns about the line’s defensive performance, expecting Bertuzzi, Domi, and Nylander to excel in this area is unrealistic, given their historical defensive struggles. All three players rank in the lower percentiles among NHL forwards in defensive wins above replacement (WAR), with Nylander being particularly deficient in this aspect.
The Maple Leafs’ attempt to fit these players into a defensively responsible role has proven challenging. In their recent games, only four players have maintained an expected goals for percentage under 50 percent, with Bertuzzi, Domi, and Nylander accounting for three of those names.
To address these defensive deficiencies, the Maple Leafs may need to explore options outside the organization before the trade deadline. While they lack a player of Ryan O’Reilly’s caliber, who they acquired from the St. Louis Blues last year, Boone Jenner of the Columbus Blue Jackets could be a suitable fit.
Jenner, the Blue Jackets’ captain, offers a blend of defensive prowess and offensive skill that could complement Nylander’s style of play. Despite the Blue Jackets’ recent focus on young center talent, Jenner’s contract and performance make him a viable trade target. His defensive WAR ranks in the top 26 percent of forwards, and he provides a physical presence that could relieve pressure on the Maple Leafs’ defensemen.
Adding Jenner to the lineup would not only enhance the team’s defensive stability but also provide a consistent scoring threat. Until the Maple Leafs find a suitable defensive-minded partner for Nylander, their defensive issues are likely to persist, as highlighted by the trio’s recent struggles on the ice.
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