Sheldon Keefe Gives Ultimatum To Rookie Forward
The Toronto Maple Leafs have been playing their best hockey of the season lately. However, Sheldon Keefe is not thrilled about how everyone is playing individually. Recently, he had a long conversation with one of the team's rookies.
Keefe Addresses Issues With Holmberg's Game
The coach has specifically not been super thrilled with the way rookie forward Pontus Holmberg has been playing lately. He sat down with the 24-year-old to go over a few things he can improve in his game in order to remain a regular feature in the Leafs lineup as the team enters the most critical stretch of the season. He specifically noted how Holmberg needs to improve defensively.
Holmberg has been in the lineup more often than not this season, as he has played in 35 of the team's 61 games. He has three goals and 11 points to show for his efforts, including one of the best goals of the season scored by any player.
Holmberg Looking To Create Bigger Role For Himself With Leafs
All of that being said, Holmberg has played mostly in a 4th line role with the team even when he does get into the lineup this season. A big part of the reason for this is his defensive deficiencies, as Keefe alluded to in his discussion with the rookie. If he wants to earn a bigger role with the team, he will need to work on his 200-foot game. he is averaging just over 11 minutes of ice time per game this season. But with a little work and determination, he can become a core player, if not a reliable 3rd line scorer for the team for years to come. He has certainly showed off the skill to be a regular NHL player.
The playoffs will be a big test for the rookie as he will likely be a healthy scratch many times should the team go on a deep run. However, it will also be an opportunity for him to prove himself in big moments, similar to how Matthew Knies did last season in the playoffs.
As seen on Sheldon Keefe forced to have difficult conversation with Pontus Holmberg
| POLL | ||
MARS 5 | 647 ANSWERS Sheldon Keefe Gives Ultimatum To Rookie Forward Do you think Holmberg will be a core player for the Leafs in the future? | ||
| Yes | 277 | 42.8 % |
| No | 370 | 57.2 % |
| List of polls | ||
