John Tavares was back in action on Friday at Maple Leafs practice but a quick glance at the lines shows that he's miles away from his usual position at centre.
Things are finally starting to turn around for the Maple Leafs at least in terms of the injury front as they recently got Chris Tanev back, and Friday's practice saw the returns of both John Tavares and Jack Roslovic which is a huge positive going forward.
While Roslovic's reappearance isn't exactly surprising given that it was just a maintenance day, Tavares' return was a high anticipated one ever since he went down in the middle of October.
John Tavares: Second-line winger?
But it was how Tavares lined up on Friday that may have some turning their heads and it might be a move that works out for the better. At practice, Tavares was not seen skating in his usual 2C position, instead, taking the left wing slot over Gavin McKenna and skating with Nick Paul and William Nylander.
It's a drastic change for Tavares who is typically seen as the bonafide 2C for the Maple Leafs since he came in. But with age and injury recovery - plus Jim Hiller trying to spark some creativity - we get to see Tavares as a winger.
It's certainly an odd look though and the team needs to make sure that Tavares doesn't start being a 2C mid-game in his head and start to crowd areas, or leave other abandoned.
He has a total of seven games played on the left wing, with six of them coming in the 2022-23 season. Otherwise, he's been a centre and a centre only. If anything, Paul has more experience as a winger and could be a more seamless transition for Hiller.
Tavares as a winger may sound crazy but it has potential
There's actually been some discussion within the Toronto media over the last couple of seasons that has wondered how Tavares on the wing would be. He'd have less defensive responsibility, and could still use his elite playmaking ability to create chances.
He's great at getting the puck, but the addition of Paul in the middle adds a bigger body in the middle, and someone who is notoriously feisty at retrieving pucks. He can battle down low for the puck and find Tavares in front - or vice versa.
Add in the years of chemistry that Tavares and Nylander have it's also apparent those two can do some damage, and Paul's inclusion will help the defensive side of things immensely, meanwhile Tavares is a great supplemental piece in his own end.
Toronto has succeeded for years with Tavares up the middle nut that was almost out of necessity as opposed to preference. With Paul and a slew of centres able to take over in their respective roles, it can open up a new avenue for Tavares.
One that could lead him to becoming even more dangerous than he already is.
Do you think having John Tavares as a winger is going to be a better fit for the Maple Leafs?
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