William Nylander is one of the best offensive players on the struggling Toronto Maple Leafs. But now, former Maple Leafs enforcer Nick Kypreos is calling out Nylander — and he is not mincing his words.
With 20 points in 20 games, the Maple Leafs currently sit in 15th place in the Eastern Conference, with only the Buffalo Sabres behind them. They have won just one of their last six games and have been struggling on the road, holding a 1–5–0 record so far.
READ MORE: William Nylander’s priceless response to his own goal
27 points in 17 games
One of the few bright spots has been William Nylander’s offensive production. He has scored 9 goals and 17 assists in 27 games and is currently on pace for 126 points over the full season. If he maintains this pace, he will break his personal best of 98 points, set in the 2023–2024 season.
But Nylander still receives criticism for his play, with fans and insiders claiming he doesn’t compete hard enough. Now, Nick Kypreos has shared his thoughts on Nylander’s contribution to the Leafs. Speaking on the podcast The Real Kyper and Bourne Show, which Kypreos co-hosts with Justin Bourne, he compared William Nylander to Leon Draisaitl, another offensive star on a struggling Canadian team. And it wasn’t a flattering comparison.
Kick Kypreos takes jab at William Nylander
“I think the best evolution might be Leon Draisaitl. Leon Draisaitl was a very good offensive player who was a terrible defensive player, who is no longer a terrible defensive player, and cares about winning, and that seems to be his focus. I don’t think [Nylander] has Leon’s fire. Leon Draisaitl doesn’t disappear for 60 minutes and then show up in a three-on-three event,” Kypreos said on the podcast.
Next up, the Maple Leafs will play the Columbus Blue Jackets at home.
You can watch the podcast below.
READ MORE: Craig Berube rips into his own players in practice
