After Wednesday’s practice, head coach Craig Berube gave a wide-ranging update on where things stand with his team - from lineup decisions and player development to the ever-evolving power play. Here’s what we learned.
Maccelli Staying Patient, But the Message is Clear
Matias Maccelli has found himself on the outside looking in lately, sitting as a healthy scratch for several games. According to Berube, the 25-year-old winger is handling the situation the right way - staying positive and understanding that improvement is needed to earn his spot back.
“He wants to play. Everyone does,” Berube said. “But he knows he has to be better.”
Maccelli got a look in the Washington game, but didn’t do enough to stick. With the team winning its last couple of games, Berube made it clear he’s not eager to shake things up just yet. For now, Maccelli will have to stay ready and wait for his next opportunity.
Scott Laughton: The Locker Room Catalyst
Ask Berube about Scott Laughton, and the praise comes quickly. Not just for what he brings on the ice - the relentless work ethic, the second and third efforts - but for what he brings to the room.
“He brings spirit to your team,” Berube said. “He’s always talking, always chatting. He’s a great teammate and a likeable guy.”
That kind of presence matters, especially over the grind of an 82-game season. Berube compared Laughton’s energy and team-first mentality to Pat Maroon, one of those glue guys every successful team seems to have - the ones who lift teammates up and keep the room tight.
Nic Roy Carving Out His Role
One of the more quietly impressive additions this season has been Nic Roy. After years of watching him in Vegas, Berube already knew the big center had game. But now that he’s coaching him, Roy’s strengths are even more apparent.
“He’s strong on pucks. He hangs onto them, makes plays, and gets us up the ice,” Berube said. “He’s got a good head on his shoulders.”
Roy’s chemistry with Dakota Joshua and Bobby McMann is starting to click, too. That line is developing an identity - fast, physical, and hard to play against.
Joshua’s skating has taken a noticeable step forward, and McMann’s puck pursuit adds another layer. It’s the kind of third line that can tilt the ice and wear teams down.
Power Play: Still a Work in Progress
The Leafs' power play continues to be a puzzle. After experimenting with a five-forward unit - a look that worked well last season - Berube is now weighing whether to stick with it or go back to a more traditional setup with a defenseman up top.
“We’re still figuring it out,” Berube said. “The players have to figure it out.”
He didn’t run power-play drills in Wednesday’s practice, citing the team’s energy levels after playing the night before. But he made it clear that the issue isn’t about one player or one position - it’s about finding the right chemistry and execution.
“It’s not the D. It’s everybody on the ice who has to be accountable,” Berube said.
The staff’s goal was to get Auston Matthews more touches up high, but so far, the results have been mixed. There’s still belief in the group, but patience is starting to wear thin.
Easton Cowan Earning Trust, One Shift at a Time
Easton Cowan continues to impress with his motor and hockey sense. He’s not just surviving NHL minutes - he’s earning them.
“He makes smart plays under pressure,” Berube said. “There’s still stuff we work on with him every day, but he listens. He wants to learn.”
That willingness to improve is translating into trust. Berube pointed out that Cowan made several strong plays in the last game that didn’t show up on the scoresheet but didn’t go unnoticed by the coaching staff.
“I just love his engine,” Berube added. “He skates hard, works, and competes.”
Nylander’s Ice Time? Don’t Read Too Much Into It
William Nylander missed a game recently with an illness and logged a season-low in ice time against Florida, but Berube downplayed any concerns about his physical condition.
“He’s fine,” the coach said. “He was out there with his line every shift.”
Berube also noted that official ice time numbers aren’t always reliable. What mattered more to him was Nylander’s effort - and while the line didn’t generate much offensively, they didn’t force plays either, which is crucial against a structured team like Florida.
“They just kept working and doing the job,” Berube said. “That’s what we need sometimes.”
Goaltending and Energy Check
As for Dennis Hildeby potentially getting a start soon, Berube left the door open but didn’t commit. “It’s possible,” he said. “I don’t know yet.”
What he did confirm is that the team’s energy has been solid during this long road trip. Team dinners, time together, and a strong vibe on the bench and in the room have all contributed to keeping spirits high.
“Even this morning after a game, I liked the energy out there,” Berube said.
Practice Lines - December 3
Here’s how the Leafs lined up at practice:
Forwards:
- Knies - Matthews - Domi
- Cowan - Tavares - Nylander
- Joshua - Roy - McMann
- Lorentz - Laughton - Robertson
- Extras: Maccelli, Jarnkrok
Defense:
- Rielly - Ekman-Larsson
- McCabe - Stecher
- Benoit - Myers
- Extra: Mermis
Goalies:
- Woll
- Hildeby
The Leafs are back in action tomorrow night against the Hurricanes.