Auston Matthews Takes on a New Challenge

As training camps progress, teams begin to experiment and innovate, testing out players in different roles. The Toronto Maple Leafs are no exception.

While William Nylander, traditionally a winger, is being tested at the center position, another major shakeup is on the horizon for the Leafs' frontline.

The decision to introduce Matthews to the penalty kill is an intriguing one, especially given his reputation as the defensively solid 2022 Hart Trophy winner.

Frequent comparisons between Matthews and Connor McDavid have long dominated hockey discourse. However, one area where many believe Matthews holds an edge over McDavid is his defensive prowess.

With Mitch Marner, a current penalty kill participant, sharing notable chemistry with Matthews, the Leafs could be poised to present a formidable duo on the PK.

Several teams have already embraced the strategy of utilizing their star players in penalty kill scenarios. This "power kill" approach often results in more short-handed chances.

While Matthews might require some further fine-tuning to solidify a spot alongside Marner on the premier penalty kill unit, it's evident that coach Sheldon Keefe sees potential in leveraging his star's talents in this new capacity.

As Read on HockeyPatrol - Auston Matthews Officially Has A New Role