[Link](https://twitter.com/tavmarnythews/status/1658996535688933377)
Say what you will about Chris Johnston, but this kinda nailed what a big problem with some of our top guys is. I think CJ has a great point when he says that some of the players are just way too comfortable. I think a safe workplace where players aren’t constantly scared of getting traded is very important, but it shouldn’t get to the point where players feel that they should get a pass on being criticized, bumped, benched or moved just because they’re a top player.
Another great point is that great things often happen when you’re a little bit uncomfortable. To speak from my own experience, as very much not an elite athlete, I need to really be challenged and pushed in order to get better at my job. Or else I’m bored and I become worse at it.
On that note: Nylander. Never complains, never acts out when being bumped down the lineup, benched or criticized in the media, always shows up for optional skates. He seems to handle the pressure that comes with playing hockey in Toronto better than anyone else and always shows up in the playoffs. But he also just seems honest and he can actually admit, and has in the past, that they played bad. I like that, more of that from everyone please.
Also: Every time someone reminds me about Keefe walking back his public criticism after the Arizona game I get just as annoyed about it as I was then. I’m not saying that coaches should publicly call out players after every bad game, but come on, to go back on what you said is just embarrassing. Both for Keefe and for the players who obviously could handle it.
by fayeoh
6 Comments
That whole business about Keefe backing off from his comments the next day was a low spot this past year. What he said wasn’t even that harsh. I just hope the NHL isn’t becoming like the NBA where you have to coddle and baby the players.
Regarding Nylander I think he has a very mature approach to this whole thing. He can handle the criticism. In fact as he stated under Babcock he actually invites the honesty from the coach.
I coached for many years and I can remember attending a symposium where many NHL coaches spoke. I had a chance to sit down and talk to a few of them over a beer. I’ll never forget the conversation I had with Canadiens coach Jean Perron weeks after they had just won the Stanley Cup. He talked to me about how you really have to know your players and how to deal with each one of them as individuals. Some guys you have to kick in the ass and some guys you have to put your arm on their shoulder. It’s a very important part of coaching. I’m sure there are guys on the Leafs who you can’t publicly chastise because that’s just the way it is.
I just listened to the whole episode of him on dangle, and I found it quite eye opening.
Marner feeling the need to tell all the fans he doesn’t care what they think, before game 4 or 5, then finish the series the way he did…
Just irks me
I’m so happy that the fanbases has finally woken up to Nylander this season. I’m a die hard, went to Marlies games to see the guy, it’s just great to see him finally get the recognition he usually deserved.
Marner is not very media savvy and he’s said some things in the past that make me question why I root for him, but his comment on locker clean out day about “We all still have contracts” when asked about returning next year said everything I need to hear about that locker room.
Those core 4 guys are way too comfortable and CJ mentioned this in that video.
Another thing CJ mentioned was that he figures the core 4 beleives that they’re doing enough to win. That there couldn’t possibly be a reason why they always lose.
That to me is interesting. I wouldn’t doubt if that was the case.
Marner and keefe gotta go
I respectfully disagree, using fear as a method of control is an old ass paradigm. It may have had use in the past, but there are other ways to succeed in life, in the workplace, and absolutely in professional sports. Especially in toronto, where the pressure and media are haywire and bipolar. “Oh no, Marner made his morning toast slightly burnt, let’s right a news article about how his morning meal is under par!”
….I’m glad none of the fans get to make team changes lol.
It’s been cringy AF since we lost.
31 out of 32 teams lose every single year.
We were top 5 in the league all year long.
Splitting up the core isn’t the move here, maybe 1 guy, maybe.
And yes, maybe Keefe. But maybe not Keefe.
The guy has won the big trophy at every single level so far. Just not Stanley yet.
Tough job. Will he? He has a good chance to as the winningest coach in Leaf history.
It’ll be interesting to see what happens this summer ‼