With the likely departure of Bozak, and in the likely scenario the Leafs don't sign Tavares, our centre depth is troubling. I'm not a fan of going out and signing some declining FA like Stastny or Bozak, personally I'd rather fill the hole at centre from within. While guys like Lindholm or Gauthier can play a solid 4C this season neither are 3C material at the moment. So the question is, Is Nylander capable of playing centre?

Nylander has been Matthews partner for the majority of his early career but considering he is a natural centre it is not crazy to believe he could be up for the task. Nylander at centre allows for Kapanen to play with Matthews or Kadri which could be the scenario he needs for a breakout season, then guys like Johnsson and Grundstrom who are both NHL ready are given spots on the wing.

Is Nylander up for the task?

I think it HAS to happen. Just no other UFA centres available (unless it's Tavares). Just hope that Dubas/Lou/Mike told Nylander last April. You're playing centre. He can train for centre, and get his head into months in advance. My thought is the Leafs could do quite well at RW with Marner, Hyman, Kapanen and Brown. LW, Grundstrom, Johnson, Marleau, Martin, Leivo.
And to answer your question, Yes he up to the task. And still he will have the opportunity to play wing on the PP.

I'm hearing the Leafs are interested in Derek Ryan. If we sign him or Tavares I guess it means Nylander stays on the RW. I'd rather see Nylander given the chance over Ryan but if we do miss out on Tavares and do sign Ryan it wouldn't be the end of the world. Ryan is a solid 3C as long as we give him a reasonable contract, 2 years max in my opinion.

Then again, maybe Ryan plays 4C. Although I would like to see a guy like Lindholm given that role.