Leafs Forward Continues to Receive Undeserved Opportunities Under Head Coach Craig Berube
Craig Berube wants to add more offense into his lineup, so one has to wonder why he keeps placing Pontus Holmberg in a top spot.
The Toronto Maple Leafs are hurting, both literally and for offense from their other players. The team can't rely on Auston Matthews and company to keep carrying them each night and have to step things up. Per David Alter on X, who posted the practice lines the team put together at practice on Wednesday; it leaves a lot to be desired.
Toronto's Pontus Holmberg Gets Another Chance
It's been a very quiet season so far for Pontus Holmberg. Only having 3 points so far in 20 games, the 25-year-old is still trying to find his groove on the ice.
The Maple Leafs 6th round pick in 2018, Holmberg was supposed to be the analytics darling, who was drafted for his two-way game and the little things he does on the ice.
However, he only has 33 points in 111 games, and while he wasn't expected to light the lamp, his production has lacked.
Toronto giving Holmberg second-line minutes is a good idea in theory, as playing beside Auston Matthews is surely going to help, however analyst Justin Bourne has pointed out that Holmberg is not the forward Toronto needs to get the offense going.
Holmberg isn't a goal scorer, and having only 7 goals is his career high. It's not the type of stats that scream "offensive help" and Craig Berube has other options he could use.
Strangely, he wouldn't play Alex Nylander to get some more offense, and while defense wins games, you can't win if you don't score.
It's not to say that Holmberg can't score at all, but it's strange to place a 3rd line defensive forward in a prime position, especially when your captain needs someone who can help drive the offense. Heck, even Nick Robertson would be an improvement in terms of at least potential.
Holmberg needs to start producing more and perhaps being alongside the captain will do it, but so far it's been an unimpressive showing from Holmberg as fans get increasingly frustrated.
FAQ: Pontus Holmberg Given Undeserved Opportunity
Q1: Why was Pontus Holmberg added to the second line?
A1: It's unclear as to why Craig Berube has Holmberg on the second line, however GM Brad Treliving has talked about adding more defense to his forward corps so perhaps it's an internal option while he pursues a trade.
Q2: Why isn't Craig Berube going to put Matthews and Marner back together for offense?
A2: Craig Berube has decided to keep Marner with John Tavares because of how well the two have played together, and historically Marner plays better without Matthews.
In closing, it's a bit perplexing that Pontus Holmberg gets prime offensive minutes, however with the team's insistence on adding defense in every facet, it's understandable why Toronto continues to use him with their offensive stars.
| POLL | ||
What should Craig Berube and the Maple Leafs do with Pontus Holmberg? | ||
| Play him! | 151 | 30.4 % |
| Trade him! | 255 | 51.3 % |
| Release him! | 39 | 7.8 % |
| Demote him! | 52 | 10.5 % |
| List of polls | ||
