The Toronto Maple Leafs held a practice session at the Ford Performance Centre, focusing on improving their game ahead of the regular season. William Nylander, who had a low-key training camp, is preparing for his pivotal role in the team’s offense. The regular season opener is set for Wednesday against the Montreal Canadiens at Scotiabank Arena.
William Nylander’s Performance in Pre-Season
Nylander participated in three exhibition games, scoring only once and finishing minus-three. He registered just five shots on goal, a significant dip from his average of 3.1 shots per game last season, where he ended with a plus-10 rating.
Head Coach Craig Berube and teammates are optimistic about Nylander’s readiness for the upcoming season. Berube stated, “We know what Willy can do. When it’s time to go, he’ll be ready.” Nylander himself remains focused on continual improvement, stating that his goal is to surpass his previous seasons’ achievements.
Goals and Aspirations for the Season
Last season, Nylander scored a career-high 45 goals, positioning him second in the NHL behind Leon Draisaitl of the Edmonton Oilers. He expressed aspirations for even greater success, including the possibility of reaching the 50-goal mark. “That would be something fun to accomplish,” Nylander said, although he acknowledged the challenges that come with such a target.
- Career-high goals last season: 45
- Average shots per game last season: 3.1
- Current shot conversion rate: 17.8%
- Career average shot conversion rate: 13%
Leadership Expectations Amidst Team Changes
With the departure of Mitch Marner to the Las Vegas Golden Knights, Nylander has emerged as the Toronto Maple Leafs’ leading winger. His contributions will be vital as the team seeks to maximize its offensive output this season.
Berube emphasized Nylander’s need to enhance his leadership, especially after Marner’s exit, noting that consistency and effort will be key to Nylander’s success. Fellow teammate John Tavares highlighted the positive development in Nylander’s leadership qualities during training camp.
Teammates and New Dynamics
Among the adjustments the team is navigating is Scott Laughton’s week-to-week absence due to injury. This has opened opportunities for younger players, including Easton Cowan, who has impressed during camp. Cowan is adapting well to different roles, showcasing his puck skills and energy.
Nylander’s dynamic play will be pivotal for the team, especially with fresh players joining the lineup. As he solidifies his position, fans are eager to witness how he embraces his expanded role in the upcoming games.
Conclusion
As the Toronto Maple Leafs prepare for the 2024-25 season, William Nylander aims to build on his impressive previous season. The focus is on contributing to the team’s success while navigating new leadership responsibilities. With the season opener just around the corner, expectations are high for both Nylander and the Leafs.
