It hasn’t been easy sailing for Toronto Maple Leafs forward William Nylander since his return from a RFA holdout earlier this season.
The 22-year-old notoriously held out until literally minutes before December 1st’s RFA deadline, signing a six-year deal with a AAV of $6.9 million. Leafs fans rejoiced but just over a month later, his name is being tossed around for other reasons. Through 14 games, Nylander has scored just one goal along with a measly two assists. Despite his struggles, the Swede insisted he’s “doing his best to keep outside noise at bay,” later acknowledging that it’s only a matter of time before the puck starts going in.
Willie’s struggles can be partly blamed on rust, however his underwhelming stats have been something new to him in the NHL. In his first two seasons, Nylander recorded back-to-back 61 point campaigns; good enough for third on the team in each year. Head Coach Mike Babcock seems to have the answer for his young forward, suggesting he focus his attention elsewhere.
That should do the trick!
The season’s still young so there’s still time to turn things around and despite his struggles, we’re sure Leaf fans and players are just happy to have their third-year player back in the lineup.
(H/T Kristen Shilton)
