Craig Berube Calls Out Young Forward Amid Underwhelming Season
Toronto Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube has identified some places where Pontus Holmberg needs to improve and says he has more to give offensively.
As the Leafs prepare to welcome back Matthew Knies and John Tavares from injury, Pontus Holmberg's window to cement his role in the lineup may be closing.
What does Craig Berube's think on Puntus Holmberg implications with the Toronto Maple Leafs
Craig Berube's comments said that Holmberg possesses the necessary skills but struggles with confidence.
"I have talked to him a few times about this. When I watch him do things, I see the way he can skate, hang onto pucks, transport the puck up the ice, and hang onto pucks in the offensive zone. I believe there is a lot more offense there with him. It is about honing it in a little bit more. It's more of a confidence thing with him. He doesn't want to make a mistake. He has to change his mindset and be more aggressive. There is ability there. I do see the ability. I see more in him than what we are getting."
This isn't the first time Holmberg's potential has been highlighted by one of his coaches.
In his NHL debut in 2022, Sheldon Keefe also spoke positively about what he could bring and his apparent skills on the ice.
But you are looking at it 3 years later, Holmberg has some difficulties to establish himself as a consistent contributor for the Leafs.
With just seven points in 38 games this season, what he brings offensively has declined in the last few years and it's raising concerns about his long-term fit with the team.
At 25 years old, Holmberg is no longer viewed as a prospect and he is expected to be a reliable forward in a lineup and his lack of production could make him a trade or waivers target for the Leafs.
With the trade deadline approaching, the Leafs may consider moving him in a package deal for a more stable center.
Holmberg still has time to prove himself, but with some of their best players returning and the Leafs looking to strengthen their roster for a playoff push, he must take every opportunity in front of him.
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