What Got Into Maple Leafs' William Nylander? Three Thoughts
Every now and then, a hockey player gives us something to think about. William Nylander has certainly done that over the first few games of the Maple Leafs' season.
Saturday's five-point performance against Colorado gave fans plenty to enjoy. Two goals, three assists, and a 6-3 win for Toronto. He also passed 700 career NHL points, which is no small accomplishment. At 30, Nylander is building a strong career.
But here's what interests me. After everything that went on last season, no one was really sure what to expect from him. There was plenty of discussion about the Maple Leafs' standards and accountability under Craig Berube. Nylander had his moments, but the season didn't quite go the way many of us hoped. Now, with Jim Hiller behind the bench, he's off to a terrific start.
Is it simply a talented player getting off to a hot start? Has something changed? Or are we seeing a player who has something to prove?
I don't know the answers yet, and six games certainly aren't enough to settle the matter. But I do think there's something worth discussing here.
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Thought One: Maybe We Shouldn't Be Surprised by Nylander’s Performance.
Nylander has always had the talent to take over a game. When he's moving his feet, holding onto the puck, and using that wonderful offensive instinct, he's a handful for any opponent. Saturday reminded us just how good he can be. The question has never really been whether he has the ability. It's whether he can bring that kind of impact consistently. So far, he's giving us reason to be optimistic.
Thought Two: Nylander’s Last Season Still Matters.
One great game doesn't erase last season's questions. Nylander finished with 30 goals and 49 assists in 65 games. Those are really quite respectable numbers, and I remember last season wondering why the coaching staff was critical of him. But we also know he can do more. Maybe the change behind the bench will make a difference. Maybe Nylander is simply feeling good and finding his game early. I'd be careful about giving Hiller all the credit after six games, but I like what I'm seeing.
Thought Three: Now Comes the Interesting Part for Nylander and the Maple Leafs.
Nylander was quick to remind everyone that it was only one night. I liked that response. He knows better than anyone that one big performance doesn't make a season. The Maple Leafs need him to keep driving the offence, helping Auston Matthews, and making life easier for the younger players. If he can do that regularly, Toronto could have something special going.
It's early, and I'm not ready to make any grand predictions. But after last season’s downer, it's awfully nice to see Nylander giving us something to talk about for the right reasons.