William Nylander Is Carrying the Maple Leafs-and He's Not Slowing Down
William Nylander is playing the best hockey of his NHL career, and the numbers back it up. Through 21 games, he’s already piled up 32 points-11 goals and 21 assists-and has become the engine of a Toronto Maple Leafs offense that desperately needs him.
Yes, the Leafs have had their share of turbulence this season. There’s been inconsistency, some tough stretches, and plenty of scrutiny. But through it all, Nylander has been the steadying force, producing at an elite level and stepping into a bigger spotlight than ever before.
The New Alpha on the Wing
With Mitch Marner no longer in the picture, the Leafs needed someone to step up as their top winger. Nylander hasn’t just filled that role-he’s owned it. Whether he’s creating off the rush, threading passes on the power play, or finding soft spots in the defense for his lethal wrister, he’s been the focal point of Toronto’s attack.
And when Auston Matthews has missed time due to injury, Nylander’s value has only become more apparent. He’s been the guy. The one the team leans on to generate offense, drive possession, and make something happen when the game starts to drift.
Not Without Its Bumps-But That’s Hockey
It hasn’t all been smooth sailing. Nylander’s game, for all its offensive brilliance, still has its flaws.
There have been lapses in effort. Defensive breakdowns.
Moments where his play away from the puck raises eyebrows. And those moments haven’t gone unnoticed by new head coach Craig Berube.
There have been a few visible run-ins between player and coach-whether during games or at practice-but they’ve rarely lingered. In fact, more often than not, Nylander responds with a big play on his very next shift.
A goal. An assist.
Something that flips the momentum.
That’s not just coincidence-it’s part of the dynamic. Berube’s known as a coach who holds players accountable, and Nylander seems to respond to that push. In a recent one-on-one interview, Nylander opened up about their relationship, saying:
“Oh, it’s great… He’s very easy to talk to. It’s like any coach.
Sometimes you butt heads, and you get into it now and then. But that’s different.
That’s the hockey part. But he’s also just a regular person you can talk to about whatever.”
That kind of honesty speaks volumes. It’s a working relationship that’s built on trust, even if it gets heated now and then.
The Leafs Can’t Afford to Lose Him
Here’s the reality: the Maple Leafs need William Nylander more than ever. He’s not just part of the solution-he is the solution on many nights. His offensive game is at an all-time high, and while he may not be a Selke candidate, his production more than makes up for the occasional defensive lapse.
He’s 29 now, a veteran in the league, and he’s playing like someone who understands the weight of his role. He’s not perfect, but perfection was never the expectation. What he’s delivering is elite scoring, high-end playmaking, and a level of consistency that’s been rare on this Leafs team.
For a franchise still chasing postseason success, Nylander’s emergence as the guy on the wing could be one of the most important developments of the season.
So, while the debates around his defensive game or effort level will always be part of the conversation, don’t let them overshadow what he’s doing right now. Because without William Nylander, the Toronto Maple Leafs would be in a much tougher spot.