C William Nylander (2014, 8th, TOR) IX

[supermann_98]

I'm having a hard time thinking of a comparable player to him stylistically

I've always compared his game to Alfie.

Hated him as a Leaf fan, but I'll give him credit he was an excellent player

 

[McMatthews]

18 points in his first 26 NHL games.

He already looks like a legitimate 2nd line forward in the NHL.

I wouldn't be shocked if he puts up 55+ points this year.

 

[kk87]

Looks great on Matthews wing, but I still fully expect him to be shifted to centre either later this year or next year. Matthews, Nylander, Kadri down the middle would be exceptional, and we have enough depth on the wings to fill any cracks that leaves. I think Nylander has the potential to be a 70 point offensive C in his prime.

 

[Cor]

Nylander seems to have chemistry/a bromance with Kapanen, wonder if that might be a long term fit on Nylander's RW if Kapanen keeps up the consistent AHL production enough to get him on the radar again as a real top 6 prospect

Kapanen has always been a top 6 prospect

He had a fantastic season last year, and is continuing it this year.

Heck, Babcock says he expects Kapanen and Soshnikov to be up here shortly

 

[Byron Bitz]

I'm having a hard time thinking of a comparable player to him stylistically

The best comparison i can come up with is Alexander Semin from his Washington days

 

[McMatthews]

In the offensive zone, I can see the Alexander Semin comparison.

William Nylander's dad played on a line with a rookie Semin.

 

[Leafsrock95]

A future line of Sosh-Nylander-Kapanen would be sick if Kap pans out

Or even with Marner

 

[Skinnyjimmy08]

Do all Leaf fans assume he will eventually be a centerman? IMO him and Matthews can become a deadly duo for many years and I don't see why people would want them split up

 

[Morgs]

Do all Leaf fans assume he will eventually be a centerman? IMO him and Matthews can become a deadly duo for many years and I don't see why people would want them split up

Because he's a possession driver at C, and a complementary player at W.

There should be 0 reason that they start on the same line at the start of next season, it would be like putting Backstrom and Kuzy on the same line. Wastes a great player at the most important position.

 

[McMatthews]

Do all Leaf fans assume he will eventually be a centerman? IMO him and Matthews can become a deadly duo for many years and I don't see why people would want them split up

It depends on the chemistry between Matthews and Marner.

If they can build chemistry, it will allow Babcock to move Nylander to C, once Bozak is gone.

LW - Matthews - Marner
LW - Nylander - RW
LW - Kadri - RW
LW - Gauthier - RW

 

[Captain Timo]

Because he's a possession driver at C, and a complementary player at W.

There should be 0 reason that they start on the same line at the start of next season, it would be like putting Backstrom and Kuzy on the same line. Waste's a great player at the most important position.

Well put.

They both want the puck on their sticks, and they're both players that drive a line - not compliment it. That's why they should eventually be split up, though I don't mind the way they're being eased into the NHL (alternating face-offs, for example).

 

[Skinnyjimmy08]

ok fair enough. I guess it all depends who clicks with who. Worse comes to worse they keep Nylander and Matthews together.

I just love watching those 2 play on same line... honestly the main reason why I actively look to watch Leaf games on TV

 

[McMatthews]

ok fair enough. I guess it all depends who clicks with who. Worse comes to worse they keep Nylander and Matthews together.

I just love watching those 2 play on same line... honestly the main reason why I actively look to watch Leaf games on TV

Matthews and Nylander should play together on the PP going forward.

 

[TheLeastOfTheBunch]

Do all Leaf fans assume he will eventually be a centerman? IMO him and Matthews can become a deadly duo for many years and I don't see why people would want them split up

Well, if we get Nolan Patrick then I imagine those two will stick together for a long time

 

[7even]

In the offensive zone, I can see the Alexander Semin comparison.

William Nylander's dad played on a line with a rookie Semin.

 

[iloveloov*]

Will William Nylander be a first ballot hockey hall of famer or will he have to wait two or three times before he gets in?

 

[McMatthews]

Will William Nylander be a first ballot hockey hall of famer or will he have to wait two or three times before he gets in?

Hopefully he gets into the HOF before Jake Virtanen.

 

[bottomofthefoodchain]

Will William Nylander be a first ballot hockey hall of famer or will he have to wait two or three times before he gets in?

Awesome name

/Fellow nerd

 

[Jimmy Firecracker]

Well, if we get Nolan Patrick then I imagine those two will stick together for a long time

Screw that. If we're picking that high let's adress an actual area of weakness and pick Liljegren.

 

[WTFMAN99]

I think at some point this season Nylander is going to transition back to centre, and Bozak will be moved out.

 

[Man Bear Pig]

Do all Leaf fans assume he will eventually be a centerman? IMO him and Matthews can become a deadly duo for many years and I don't see why people would want them split up

Most see a center which is why he was put there in the AHL. For this season though, as he learns the ropes and hopefully bulks up a bit more, he's on the wing. Marner OTOH is definitely a winger in my eyes and most leafs fans eyes despite playing both the wing and center in London.

 

[93LEAFS]

ok fair enough. I guess it all depends who clicks with who. Worse comes to worse they keep Nylander and Matthews together.

I just love watching those 2 play on same line... honestly the main reason why I actively look to watch Leaf games on TV

There are a couple things at play. I think long-term they get split up, with Marner ending up on Matthews wing. I see Nylander being really deployed similar to how the Blackhawks use the Patrick Kane line, whereas I see Marner and Matthews being used like the Toews/Hossa line. This could all change, it really depends on how well each player rounds out their defensive game. I have a feeling Willy will end up back at center when we move out Bozak, which if Bozak plays decent and stays healthy I could see happening around the TDL.

 

[93LEAFS]

Nylander seems to have chemistry/a bromance with Kapanen, wonder if that might be a long term fit on Nylander's RW if Kapanen keeps up the consistent AHL production enough to get him on the radar again as a real top 6 prospect

Kapanen looks better on the LW in my viewing, but he can play either side.

 

[Skinnyjimmy08]

There are a couple things at play. I think long-term they get split up, with Marner ending up on Matthews wing. I see Nylander being really deployed similar to how the Blackhawks use the Patrick Kane line, whereas I see Marner and Matthews being used like the Toews/Hossa line. This could all change, it really depends on how well each player rounds out their defensive game. I have a feeling Willy will end up back at center when we move out Bozak, which if Bozak plays decent and stays healthy I could see happening around the TDL.

Ya true... Atleast its a good problem to have. Long term plan have Matthews and Nylander at center, if lines don't click, then just have Matthews and Nylander on top line together

 

[supermann_98]

Do all Leaf fans assume he will eventually be a centerman? IMO him and Matthews can become a deadly duo for many years and I don't see why people would want them split up

I think yes, he's such a good passer in both timing and accuracy and has vision where he can anticipate plays that I think you're limiting his potential on the wing when he could end up being similar to a backstrom or a giroux and make two speedy wingers even better