William Nylander now answers to Mats Sundin and the Leafs engineered that dynamic on purpose
Photo credit: Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images
William Nylander and Mats Sundin are two legends in Sweden, and with the latter in charge it feels like that move wasn't made without Nylander in mind.
All credit to William Nylander for still putting up a great season despite his team not doing the same, not to mention a 17-game absence this season thanks to various injuries and ailments. 79 points in 65 games is nothing to sniff at, and he always seemed to find a way to have his name on the scoreboard.
This upcoming season is going to be even more important for Nylander considering how quickly the Maple Leafs wants to become competitive and the Swedish superstar is expected to be one of the focal points of the entire offence.
Nylander reveres Sundin and playing his hardest hockey to prove he belongs is now personal not just professional
But he also may feel a bit more extra motivation given who is in charge now.
With the hiring of Mats Sundin as a Senior Advisor to John Chayka, it brought not only one of; if not, the most beloved Maple Leaf of all time back into the fold.
Sundin needs no introduction to Toronto nor does he need one to Swedish hockey considering his iconic and legendary status there as well. Nylander knows how much Sundin means to both Sweden and the Maple Leafs and given they both share the same background and team - it's a match made in heaven.
Nylander may not need to impress Sundin, but he does need to show him that he has just as much heart. It starts with his hustle and we very well could see a much more developed Nylander especially on the defensive side of things.
Both Nylander and his younger brother Alex are with the team in some capacity, and the junior Nylander was more than excited about having Mats back after so long:
It's great to hear. He's a legend and is hugely important for this city. That's going to be amazing, and we'll see what happens from here on out. That's great for the organization.
It's really cool to see him stepping in here, it's going to be awesome, especially with how big he is here in Toronto, and that's huge for Sweden.
It's really cool to see him stepping in here, it's going to be awesome, especially with how big he is here in Toronto, and that's huge for Sweden.
Just from that statement alone you can tell what playing under Sundin means for the Nylander brothers and for Willy Styles - he needs to strive to be the next Sundin and what better motivator than the man himself?
The Leafs locker room has felt soft for years and Sundin's VP presence creates a standard the current core cannot ignore
Sundin coming in is hopefully going to solve the issue as to whether or not the team is actually going to be tougher.
Look at some of the guys he had with him when he played: Bryan McCabe, Tie Domi, Darcy Tucker, Gary Roberts, Wade Belak, Shayne Corson...what do they have in common? All of them had no problems fighting or getting physical regardless of situation.
When Domi and Tucker were throttled by Zdeno Chara I don't think their first thought was regret, but rather excitement. 'Yeah, give it to me you giant, because you're worth more than me. Enjoy five minutes away.'
It's mind games on top of physical brutality. When you can minimize the best players on the ice by agitating them and causing retaliation - you benefit. Look at Easton Cowan for example.
The kid is ruthless when it comes to drawing penalties and while he may tend to overact or slightly exaggerate the call; that's the advantage you need to win. There is a new standard that he is setting which is be talented, but also active in all facets of the game.
I'm not saying to go out and load up the team with a bunch of Ryan Reaves; we're going backwards then. But the guys like Cowan, Landon Sim, Luke Haymes, Jacob Quillan, and Marshall Rifai; all of whom are in the AHL - this is the new breed of physical, but talented young guns to lead the charge.
If you're part of the current group like Nick Robertson then you're probably safe given the youth and passion he still brings.
But for those who are on the fringes and may cost a little more than their presence warrants - you best follow in Nylander's footsteps and give Mats Sundin every reason to keep you.
Because I guarantee there's more reasons not to at the end of the day.
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