Maple Leafs’ Berube on ‘tricky, good’ relationship with Nylander

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Tricky.

That was the first word that came to mind for Maple Leafs coach Craig Berube when he asked on Monday how his relationship with star winger William Nylander has evolved.

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“It’s a good relationship,” Berube told media in Florida in a kindly manner. “I never know what I’m going to get from Willie, you know? Keeps me on my toes about things.

“We have our opinions about certain things, but for the most part I think we communicate really well together. He communicates with me and vice versa.

“For me, personally, I really enjoy the challenge of coaching him.”

That’s an interesting way to word it, but we don’t see a problem with it. Nylander every so often is in need of a push from the coach. He also is a big driver for the Leafs, leading the club in scoring with 32 points in 21 games.

Of the issues that Berube has to sort out on a Leafs team that right now has faint playoff hopes, Nylander isn’t one. Not even close.

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Key in the relationship is a simple factor. Nylander handles criticism better than most, if not everybody in blue and white. Berube realizes he can give it to the 29-year-old every so often and know that it won’t leave Nylander sulking.

Truth be told, we think too much has been made recently of the public back-and-forths between coach and player.

“He takes (criticism) really well,” Berube said. “There’s different guys I’ve had over the years who could take it better than others. He’s very good at it.”

Most recently, cameras caught Berube and Nylander having an animated conversation at the bench during the third period in Columbus last week. Nylander went on to score the overtime winner against the Blue Jackets.

What was Berube saying to Nylander?

“I can’t remember honestly, or I would tell you,” Berube said. “I can’t remember what that one was.”

tkoshan@postmedia.com

X: @koshtorontosun

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