Ex-Toronto Maple Leafs head coach Sheldon Keefe always appreciated Pontus Holmberg’s consistency and reliability. Keefe assessed that the young Swedish forward seldom made mistakes. He generally always did the right thing. Holmberg’s steady play earned him a place in Keefe’s lineup, often moving up to various lines due to his versatility. Mitch Marner has also expressed how much he appreciates Holmberg.
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In the same way, current Maple Leafs coach Craig Berube also shared a belief in Holmberg’s potential. In late January, Berube put Holmberg with fellow Swede William Nylander, noting that he believed he had more offensive upside. He hoped playing with Nylander would help unlock that. Well, not so much.
Maple Leafs Coaches Believe in Holmberg
Still, Berube continues to utilize Holmberg across multiple lines—sometimes even the top units. And while Holmberg shows his adaptability—like a Swiss Army knife—he hasn’t yet fully unlocked the offensive upside his coaches expected with 15 points this season. Still, Holmberg’s engagement and strong presence on the ice have remained evident to the eye test.
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However, his leadership role on the fourth line is becoming impressive. He consistently handles the defensive load there, helping stabilize and anchor that group. Despite the lack of a significant scoring breakout, Holmberg’s all-around play continues to earn the trust of his coaches.
Holmberg’s Consistency on the Fourth Line
One of the most noticeable trends with Holmberg recently is his impact on the fourth line. He seems to be the driving force on that unit, consistently carrying the play and ensuring they are defensively responsible. Unlike when he’s moved up the lineup, where his performance can dip, Holmberg looks far more comfortable and productive in his current role.
He’s been reliable in his defensive zone, and his playmaking skills stand out when paired with the right players. The fourth line has become a unit that the team can trust not to get scored on, which is crucial in playoff-level hockey. Holmberg brings stability and a steady presence the team can rely on in challenging situations.
If Holmberg Is Trusted and Effective, Why Move Him?
Holmberg doesn’t need to be shifted in…
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