What Does Toffoli Have ‘Knack’ For As a Leader? (+)

Tyler Toffoli has evolved with the times.

More than anything, that might be why the 32-year-old veteran has been able to connect with Macklin Celebrini and Will Smith, the San Jose Sharks’ dynamic teen duo.

“Whatever that sleepover thing was, took the internet by storm,” the Chicago Blackhawks’ Alec Martinez said, “I think he has a knack of, which is important in that kind of role, identifying with the younger guys and be able to create that common ground with the age difference.”

Martinez, 37, knows Toffoli well, winning a Stanley Cup with him on the Los Angeles Kings in 2014.

Part of identifying with the kids is not setting yourself apart from them, which is the hierarchy that a younger Toffoli grew up in.

“We were laughing about it,” Toffoli said, after dinner on Wednesday with Martinez, “and just talking about how things have changed.”