William Nylander appreciation thread

[stickty111]

Stepped up in the playoffs again but sadly our fanbase doesn't think thats good enough

He, along with Tavares had a big fat goose egg in our most important game of the series


We’ve had a revolving door of guys support them

Bozak JVR Kadri Brown kapanen Johnnson plekanec Hyman along with Many many others

The core four have remained the same and time and time again they’ve failed. You cannot run it back and expect a different result

9/10 times if we make playoffs next year we vs tampa again, we 100% don’t win with this team running it back, so yes change for the sake of change must be made

This playoffs was much different than other years. The core showed growth for the first time in the playoffs. If people think trading a core piece will improve the team, they are in for a sad reality.

 

[GojuLeaf]

Main reason I'm sad we lost is because I bet the media and our stupid fans will run our best value player out of town.

 

[ibleedkings]

Hey guys tough loss last night, I'm bummed too cause my Kings lost. Anyway I believe there would be big interest in Nylander if you guys were to move him. We have dmen out the ***. Let's get the conversation started!

 

[Willchel Marlynder]

Nylander is a great player who I think has sufficiently demonstrated his value to this team over the past couple years. He will be a valuable contributor wherever he ends up in this league. I just think that the writing is on the wall at this point and that he's likely played his last game for us. Whether that makes us better or worse, it's hard to say.

Team needs a different mix, end of story, and he'll be the most attractive trade piece from a money + performance standpoint. He was my favorite of our young studs for a long time but we just can't keep rolling out the same players year after year like this. I wish we could somehow get out from the Tavares contract (I'd be fine with him as a 7-8 mill player).

If nothing else, this should be a more interesting off season than years past.

Pretty much this. It will be very sad to see Willy go, one of my all time favourites and the first jersey I ever got was a Nylander one. You can't have 5 first round exits without a major shakeup though and and Nylander is the easy most feasible answer.

Good luck on your new team Bill Nye. Hopefully you follow suit as one of the Ex Leafs to get out this hell and win yourself a Stanley Cup.

 

[DraftSchmaft]

Pretty much this. It will be very sad to see Willy go, one of my all time favourites and the first jersey I ever got was a Nylander one. You can't have 5 first round exits without a major shakeup though and and Nylander is the easy most feasible answer.

Good luck on your new team Bill Nye. Hopefully you follow suit as one of the Ex Leafs to get out this hell and win yourself a Stanley Cup.

lol 0% chance Leafs have any interest trading Nylander. They want to get over the game 7 losses, not move backwards.

If he's traded the offer needs to blow them away.

 

[Woodman19]

Well, Nylander would be very attracting for other teams on the market, that's for sure. It's absolutely true he isn't the most gritty or defensive minded player but he is doing many other things really, really well. Building a team is a puzzle and if you can't find a spot for Nylander you are a very poor coach I would say.

Its hard for a coach to find a consistent role for a player who gives a consistent effort and that is the underlying problem with Nylander.

 

[Willchel Marlynder]

lol 0% chance Leafs have any interest trading Nylander. They want to get over the game 7 losses, not move backwards.

If he's traded the offer needs to blow them away.

I'd like to think that, but you can't get bounced in the first round 5 times in a row without a massive shakeup. The revolving door of scrubs like Kerfoot and Mik won't be enough, not this time. I think Dubas gets crucified if the "core 4" returns as is. Heck who even knows if Dubas will have the chance to make that decision. He placed his bets on the core and they couldn't get it done. He might be out of here pretty soon along with Keefe.

 

[Stephen]

Its hard for a coach to find a consistent role for a player who gives a consistent effort and that is the underlying problem with Nylander.

To be fair to Willie, Keefe's hierarchical order can be a complete mystery. For example, he put Rasmus Sandin on PP1 last season vs Montreal and demotes Rielly, but this year Sandin isn't even good enough to make the playoff roster. How can a 6-7 young guy leapfrog so high up in the roster? Same thing with Nick Robertson getting middle six play in the bubble.

 

[hamzarocks]

Stepped up in the playoffs again but sadly our fanbase doesn't think thats good enough


This playoffs was much different than other years. The core showed growth for the first time in the playoffs. If people think trading a core piece will improve the team, they are in for a sad reality.

Who do we trade if not any of the big 4?

Time to deal Rielly after signing his contract?

Is there a market for Muzzin after a disaster year?

Can we allocate Brodie's 5M to a goal tender in hopes that Lilijgren can take that role?

We need to add a pretty big addition in the summer.

A pwerforward goal scoring LW is a big need.

A legit #1 Goalie is a huge need.

Those two players will come around 10-15M in capspace.

Need to clear out that much to make two big additions

If mrazek/kerfoot/holl are dumped we clear about 9M but need 3M just to replace them in the lineup.

Getting the two needed major moves won't be possible unless someone from core along with depth is moved.

Leafs needed the big 4 at either lower cap hits so we could make better depth and support upgrades or need for the cap to rise heavily (5-10M) in the next year

 

[ULF_55]

Pretty much this. It will be very sad to see Willy go, one of my all time favourites and the first jersey I ever got was a Nylander one. You can't have 5 first round exits without a major shakeup though and and Nylander is the easy most feasible answer.

Good luck on your new team Bill Nye. Hopefully you follow suit as one of the Ex Leafs to get out this hell and win yourself a Stanley Cup.

If he's traded he'll do fine wherever he shows up. He can play with anyone.

A good contract that he earns in both regular and post season.

 

[DraftSchmaft]

I'd like to think that, but you can't get bounced in the first round 5 times in a row without a massive shakeup. The revolving door of scrubs like Kerfoot and Mik won't be enough, not this time. I think Dubas gets crucified if the "core 4" returns as is. Heck who even knows if Dubas will have the chance to make that decision. He placed his bets on the core and they couldn't get it done. He might be out of here pretty soon along with Keefe.

We just saw a random addition Nick Paul eliminate us. Not comfortable with shake up just for the sake of shake up. I think Dubas needs to smarten up with the depth players moving forward. These guys just don't have it.

The core 4 finally showed growth. They played so well Tampas core 4 had no answer going head to head with them.

The depth players (regulars) showed zero growth and got worse and worse as the series went on. Even 1 extra goal from them wins this series.

Last year Mik had an empty net to send us to the next round. Missed. Same story in game 6 this year. Same story last night to tie it. We need to start focusing on that and lay off trading the core 4.

I understand criticizing them, we just lost. But I don't endorse actually blowing it up unless it's to get Tavares cap back...but even then there needs to be a good plan in place on what the cap room is for.

 

[Stinger8]

Who do we trade if not any of the big 4?

Time to deal Rielly after signing his contract?

Is there a market for Muzzin after a disaster year?

Can we allocate Brodie's 5M to a goal tender in hopes that Lilijgren can take that role?

We need to add a pretty big addition in the summer.

A pwerforward goal scoring LW is a big need.

A legit #1 Goalie is a huge need.

Those two players will come around 10-15M in capspace.

Need to clear out that much to make two big additions

If mrazek/kerfoot/holl are dumped we clear about 9M but need 3M just to replace them in the lineup.

Getting the two needed major moves won't be possible unless someone from core along with depth is moved.

Leafs needed the big 4 at either lower cap hits so we could make better depth and support upgrades or need for the cap to rise heavily (5-10M) in the next year

Nylander and something TBD for Chycrun and Crouse. Also Kane who they should have signed before the playoffs remember all the nay sayers dumb move, cancer etc well he is onto round 2 playing very well. Nylander HAS to be moved walk on Myk and Engval they are soft and have zero hockey sense, if you can find a home for Muzzin do it he plays scared now he has lost "it". Maybe bye to Brodie too.

 

[Stinger8]

We just saw a random addition Nick Paul eliminate us. Not comfortable with shake up just for the sake of shake up. I think Dubas needs to smarten up with the depth players moving forward. These guys just don't have it.

The core 4 finally showed growth. They played so well Tampas core 4 had no answer going head to head with them.

The depth players (regulars) showed zero growth and got worse and worse as the series went on. Even 1 extra goal from them wins this series.

Last year Mik had an empty net to send us to the next round. Missed. Same story in game 6 this year. Same story last night to tie it. We need to start focusing on that and lay off trading the core 4.

I understand criticizing them, we just lost. But I don't endorse actually blowing it up unless it's to get Tavares cap back...but even then there needs to be a good plan in place on what the cap room is for.

It would be insane not to move 1 insanity is literally defined as doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results. Nylander is soft and moody, plays when he feels like it and just does not give a shit win or lose. Watch an interview after a tough game he is oh well sun came up maybe better results today. He is not a WINNER period.

 

[DraftSchmaft]

It would be insane not to move 1 insanity is literally defined as doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results. Nylander is soft and moody, plays when he feels like it and just does not give a shit win or lose. Watch an interview after a tough game he is oh well sun came up maybe better results today. He is not a WINNER period.

The depth makes up 8 / 12 skater spots. The core 4 is 4 / 12. It is not insanity to stick with the 4. That's so absurd to think not blowing it up is insanity.

It's not a cap issue. I'm not giving Dubas that easy out like his haters ironically give him. Fix it.

 

[Stephen]

Nylander could conceivably score 90 points somewhere else, so you'd have to be pretty well compensated to make anything happen on that front and not just do it out of anger. He's still got age, talent and a relatively affordable contract. Can't do things in anger.

Only two palatable Nylander avenues I'd pursue would be: futures package, like NJ's 2nd overall and prospects, and then use the cap space in free agency to double dip. The other is to get an absolute superstar with a different skillset.

 

[SoVi3t]

Nylander could conceivably score 90 points somewhere else, so you'd have to be pretty well compensated to make anything happen on that front and not just do it out of anger. He's still got age, talent and a relatively affordable contract. Can't do things in anger.

Only two palatable Nylander avenues I'd pursue would be: futures package, like NJ's 2nd overall and prospects, and then use the cap space in free agency to double dip. The other is to get an absolute superstar with a different skillset.

I love Nylander, except in playoff time. He seems to fall apart under pressure.

But his contract is lovely. I'd love to see him stay a Leaf, and would rather trade Marner. But it's obvious the solution to our problems isn't stacked offence that can't cut it in the playoffs.

If we could move him (or Marner) for some proper assets, I'd do it in a heartbeat.

 

[Stephen]

I love Nylander, except in playoff time. He seems to fall apart under pressure.

But his contract is lovely. I'd love to see him stay a Leaf, and would rather trade Marner. But it's obvious the solution to our problems isn't stacked offence that can't cut it in the playoffs.

If we could move him (or Marner) for some proper assets, I'd do it in a heartbeat.

I'd rather trade Tavares and just bring the timeline back to the early mid 20s for this core group and realize how young everyone still is.

 

[ULF_55]

I love Nylander, except in playoff time. He seems to fall apart under pressure.

But his contract is lovely. I'd love to see him stay a Leaf, and would rather trade Marner. But it's obvious the solution to our problems isn't stacked offence that can't cut it in the playoffs.

If we could move him (or Marner) for some proper assets, I'd do it in a heartbeat.

Are you sure you're watching the correct player?

Have you actually looked at the results of the top 10 scorers for the core for the past playoffs, or do you think a $7mm should outproduce two $11mm players?

 

[Woodman19]

I'd rather trade Tavares and just bring the timeline back to the early mid 20s for this core group and realize how young everyone still is.

I dont think theres a fan who would disagree with that, but since he has a NMC we are likely stuck with him for the entire contract.

Are you sure you're watching the correct player?

Have you actually looked at the results of the top 10 scorers for the core for the past playoffs, or do you think a $7mm should outproduce two $11mm players?

View attachment 547341

Its not about point totals, its about effort. Yes Nylander scores as much points as Marner and Matthews, but does he put in the same defensive effort or use his body? He makes 7 mil to their 11 because he gives 7/11 their effort

 

[saffronleaf]

Don't think book smart necessarily translate to hockey smarts lol...

Generally speaking people smart at one thing are smart at other things but kerfoot definitely bucks that generalization

 

[SoVi3t]

Are you sure you're watching the correct player?

Have you actually looked at the results of the top 10 scorers for the core for the past playoffs, or do you think a $7mm should outproduce two $11mm players?

No I don't expect him to out produce them. My comment about him cracking under the pressure was referring to him seeming to have trouble playing basic hockey whenever shit gets hectic. The amount of times I'd see him on a breakaway just to miss the net entirely or mess up a deke, for instance. You see it come up with his defensive efforts often too

He just seems to play entirely different when truly under pressure, and most of the time it seems negative to me.

Like I said before, I love his contract, and most of the time he plays I have no issue with it. It's just that over these past few years, I've witnessed him crack under pressure time and time again.

 

[SoVi3t]

I'd rather trade Tavares and just bring the timeline back to the early mid 20s for this core group and realize how young everyone still is.

I love Tavares with all my heart, I have since I watched him in the Jr's.

But I can clearly see how out of shape and OLD he seems compared to the new wave of players. It hurts me to watch him relegated to having to win a faceoff then get off the ice because he'll get out played.

But I doubt we're moving him or that contract, we're stuck with him. So we need to look at our big 4 at some point, and figure which of them just isn't cutting it.

And the way I see it, Matthews is too good to go. Nylander is too good of a contract to go (although this DOES make it excellent trade bait). Marner is too expensive a contract to go. JT has NMT so he won't go.

So uhh........ouch

 

[ULF_55]

No I don't expect him to out produce them. My comment about him cracking under the pressure was referring to him seeming to have trouble playing basic hockey whenever shit gets hectic. The amount of times I'd see him on a breakaway just to miss the net entirely or mess up a deke, for instance. You see it come up with his defensive efforts often too

He just seems to play entirely different when truly under pressure, and most of the time it seems negative to me.

Like I said before, I love his contract, and most of the time he plays I have no issue with it. It's just that over these past few years, I've witnessed him crack under pressure time and time again.

Then why not move the player who makes 10.9 and can't manage a single shot on net in a deciding game in 24 minutes of playing time? That isn't exactly showing someone doing everything to win, seems like someone deferring to others to get the job done. Someone who is overwhelmed by the situation and lacks the confidence to take a shot.

 

[CelticDruid]

I dont think theres a fan who would disagree with that, but since he has a NMC we are likely stuck with him for the entire contract.


Its not about point totals, its about effort. Yes Nylander scores as much points as Marner and Matthews, but does he put in the same defensive effort or use his body? He makes 7 mil to their 11 because he gives 7/11 their effort

Marner and Matthews were both on the ice for the winning goals against in game 6 and 7.

If that was Nylander the hysteria would be deafening

 

[SoVi3t]

Then why not move the player who makes 10.9 and can't manage a single shot on net in a deciding game in 24 minutes of playing time?

Because nobody else is stupid enough to want that awful contract? Every other team knows that Marner is a dud in the playoffs. Sadly Willy is probably the only one of the four we can move.