Quoting: BeterChiarelli
There's always Tavares
unless you haven't yet read that report, then yeah. Weird that they wouldn't try him at center this year. Unless Lou wanted Babs using him predominantly on the wing to make his next contract cheaper.
Last year the Leafs had Bozak, and Moore, plus at TDL Plekanec. Willy did play centre in the absence of Matthews. You just can't go into the seasons with Matthews, Kadri and AHLer Aaltonen (who I think is going to be OK). Now if Tavares is a Leaf, somehow, then it makes sense to trade Nylander for a good Dman.
Regarding his play on RW. I've been critical of Babcock and his line match ups. I certainly don't think it was plan to lessen his value. Babcock is just so set in his inane line make up and line match ups, IMO he cost the Leafs games. That's why I think (without proof) that Matthews and others are pissed at times having Babcock as coach.