William Nylander has had an impressive season for the Toronto Maple Leafs through 47 games played, tallying 27 goals, 21 assists, and 48 points.
However, like many of the top players in the NHL, his production has seen its ups and downs – none more noticeable than a recent stretch where Nylander went pointless for five games, finally breaking that drought with a lone goal against the Carolina Hurricanes on January 9.
The forward proceeded to have just one point in seven games.
Despite the slump, the struggle was just another bump in the road, and Nylander seems to be back to his best. In his last two games, he’s netted three goals and added an assist, including an overtime winner against the New Jersey Devils on Thursday.
His resurgence has been important as the Leafs ship went down with him on a three-game losing skid as he had trouble producing, and there’s no one more aware of the rollercoaster ride than his head coach, Craig Berube.
After practice on Monday, Berube described his communicative relationship with the star winger.
“I have a lot of conversations with him which I enjoy,” Berube explained. “I want him to open up to me; what we can do better. He has a lot of great ideas. I may not agree with them all, but there’s something I might want to hear.”
The two have been in frequent discussions this season, often talking before or after practices. On October 31, Nylander mentioned that he wanted more ice time and that the discussions at practice were signaling what that was about.
But it’s no secret that both sides constantly push each other for more. Nylander has shown his competitiveness and fiery approach when things don’t go his or the Leafs’ way, and Berube has shown similar flares in the same manner.
They get the best out of each other and that may be why the two get along so well.
“These guys are smart guys and smart players. “It’s a challenge like any player. But you’d like to get that game he had in Montreal every night. But that’s not reality. But he has the capability of doing it,” said Berube.
“This guy’s edge work and his puck play and, you know, competing on pucks offensively is high-end. He’s a very good player,” he added.
Berube’s approach to coaching Nylander is centered on understanding rather than controlling, mentioning that he is not “trying to figure him out” but rather “trying to hear him out.” The philosophy has allowed Nylander to thrive under a new system, different than now-former head coach Sheldon Keefe’s approach.
The 28-year-old is on pace for a career-high 47 goals this season, currently sitting tied for second in the category across the NHL with 27, trailing only Edmonton Oilers’ Leon Draistaitl (33).
And for the most part, Nylander has embraced the tough love this season. The relationship appears to be built on respect and the shared goal of getting the best performance from the player consistently.
“It’s always a challenge to try to get these guys to be more consistent every night. That’s a coach’s job. And it’s not just Willy. It’s every player. I try to really have conversations with him daily. I really do. I’m not trying to figure him out. I’m trying to hear him out more than anything,” said Berube.
The Leafs are seeking their third consecutive win against the Tampa Bay Lightning this season, winning previously 5-2 and 5-3, outscoring their opponents 10-5. As for Nylander, he has three goals and an assist in two games against the Lightning in the 2024-25 campaign, as he’ll be looking to find the back of the net once again on Monday night.
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