Since William Nylander returned from injury, the Maple Leafs have looked like a different team - and not just on the scoresheet. They’ve rattled off three straight wins, and while there’s plenty of credit to go around, Nylander’s fingerprints are all over this recent surge.
Four points in three games, including a goal against Calgary, only tell part of the story. What’s harder to quantify - but just as important - is how Nylander has reshaped the flow of the game every time he hits the ice.
Nylander’s Impact: Beyond the Box Score
When Nylander’s in the lineup, the Leafs don’t just play better - they play differently. He’s not just producing offense; he’s dictating pace and territory.
With his ability to carry the puck through the neutral zone and establish control in the offensive end, Toronto is spending less time defending and more time attacking. That’s a massive shift from the stretch when he was sidelined, where the Leafs often found themselves on their heels, reacting instead of initiating.
The difference is showing up in the defensive numbers too. Over the past three games, the Leafs have allowed just six goals - a noticeable improvement from the leakier performances we saw without Nylander.
It’s not just about what he does with the puck, but how his presence allows the team to play a more proactive, possession-heavy style. That kind of territorial advantage takes pressure off the defense and helps the goaltending look a lot better, too.
A Deeper, More Dangerous Lineup
Nylander’s return also gives head coach Craig Berube a lot more flexibility when it comes to rolling out his lines. With Nylander back, Toronto’s top nine suddenly looks a lot more balanced - and a lot more dangerous. Each line now has a player who can tilt the ice, which forces opposing coaches into some tough matchup decisions.
The third line, for example, has become a legitimate scoring threat with Matthew Knies and Nicholas Robertson getting more favorable matchups. That’s a luxury the Leafs didn’t have before.
And the second line? It’s clicking in a big way thanks to the chemistry developing between Nylander and Matias Maccelli.
That duo has been a driving force during this win streak, giving the Leafs a secondary scoring punch that takes some of the pressure off Auston Matthews and the top unit.
Speaking of Matthews - with Nylander back, teams can’t just load up to stop the Leafs’ first line anymore. They have to respect the depth, and that opens up space all over the ice. It’s the kind of ripple effect that makes a good team feel deeper, faster, and more dangerous.
Looking Ahead
As the Leafs head toward the Olympic break, Nylander’s resurgence couldn’t have come at a better time. If Toronto is going to make a real push for the playoffs, they’ll need him to keep driving the offense and controlling the pace of play the way he has over the past week. He’s not just a star - he’s the engine right now.
And while the break will give the team a chance to reset, Nylander won’t be slowing down. He’s set to represent Sweden in the Olympics, joining two other Leafs on the international stage. For Toronto, the hope is that he brings that same energy and sharpness back with him - because if Nylander keeps playing like this, the Leafs are going to be a tough out down the stretch.