William Nylander knows the chatter around a potential trade rumour but even in the midst of a slump he's perfectly comfortable with whatever is going on.
Things are bad for the Maple Leafs right now, and no one is feeling the heat more than William Nylander. He's had one point over his last five games, is a ghastly minus-8 in that span, and over his last two games has mustered only one shot.
He has admitted he needs to focus more on time away from the puck, but clearly something is affecting his ability to not only drive the offense, but benefit from his support.
There have been discussions about whether or not he's still a fit for the team, especially if he continues to slack defensively. But there's no denying that he's a game-breaker - it's what makes him so frustrating as a player.
Nylander trade talks aren't bothering him despite embarrassing slump
But even though there are trade talks surrounding Nylander, he's not letting things bother him and in his typically nonchalant attitude - is taking it all in stride.
Nylander was pressed by reporters about the trade chatter around him and he blew it off as nothing more than speculation because according to Nylander it's been happening for the last decade:
I mean, I've been here for 10 years. People have been saying I'm going to get traded for the majority of that time, so it is what it is.
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He might be exaggerating a little bit as it's been more recently that the discussions have ramped up, but his lack of emotion and careless attitude towards the situation does not bode well for his reputation among fans.
Nylander's attitude towards trade rumours look bad to Maple Leafs fans
Many are frustrated with the fact that Nylander cares a lot about offense and not a lot about anything else. He often lags behind defensively and doesn't seem to care about getting back when things go south.
It's a rough look because as bad as he is with his defensive effort, he makes up for it on the offensive end. The problem is, he's not right now and it's highlighting just how bad things have been.
If he was scoring at a regular pace, and putting up points -ensuring Toronto stays within reach - then he may not be getting so much criticism. But with the team struggling, the fans expect Nylander to be motivated to win and do whatever it takes, not just wait for his opportunity.
22 points in 21 games is still very good production but with barely any life the past few games, Nylander is going through it and fans aren't happy and want him out.
But to the calm, cool, and collected superstar, it's just another day at the office. Whether that's a good or bad thing though is still up for debate.
Do you think the Maple Leafs should trade William Nylander?
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