Toronto Maple Leafs winger William Nylander. Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images

Maple Leafs' William Nylander Sends Blunt Message After Canadiens Loss

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Antonio Losada | Last updated Nov 23, 2025 9:30 AM ET

The Toronto Maple Leafs were outmatched again Saturday, losing 5–2 to the Montreal Canadiens for their seventh defeat in the last eight games.

The Leafs have fallen to 9–10-3 and now sit near the bottom of the Atlantic Division, only above the Buffalo Sabres in the standings by one point.

Head coach Craig Berube didn't hold back in his postgame criticism, calling the effort inexcusable from a group of experienced players such as the Leafs.

William Nylander’s remarks, however, were the ones that stood out as the most surprising, given the unexpected nature of his view of the current Maple Leafs situation.

“This builds character,” Nylander said. “So, obviously, it’s tough right now. But in the end, I think it’ll be good for our group.”

️| William Nylander | Post Game vs. Montreal Canadiens | Nov 22 pic.twitter.com/wWbL6ukDPL
— Toronto Maple Leafs (@MapleLeafs) November 23, 2025

Toronto’s latest loss followed a now-familiar script: a solid first period in which they conceded two goals but played a tight game, a second period in which another collapse was consummated, and a failed comeback attempt.

“We just gave up all the momentum we built in the first,” Nylander said about the second frame. “We came out dominating them. And then they make a nice play and score, and I feel like we get pushed back on our heels a little bit versus just keeping on the gas.”

Former team captain John Tavares, contrary to Nylander's overall view of the Leafs' losing skid, didn't find a single positive in enduring yet another loss.

“We’re not happy with not being able to really get things rolling,” Tavares said.

Toronto Maple Leafs forward William Nylander (88) reacts after scoring a goal.John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images

Head coach Craig Berube continued to stress accountability across the team.

“We go out there and we don’t play with any urgency or any confidence in the second period, because we get down a couple goals,” Berube said. “That’s an excuse all day long for me. This is a veteran hockey team. It’s inexcusable. And it’s on me too. It’s on all of us.”

The Maple Leafs have given up 32 goals over the past eight games. They’re 1–6–0 on the road and 1-5-2 in their last eight.

Toronto will look to regroup on Wednesday when it visits the Columbus Blue Jackets. Puck drop is set for 7:00 p.m. ET.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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