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

William Nylander Doesn’t Care About Maple Leafs Pressure

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Antonio Losada | Last updated Dec 2, 2025 10:23 AM ET

William Nylander is in his 11th season with the Toronto Maple Leafs and is putting up career-best numbers.

Nylander's is on pace to score 119 points over the full campaign, which would rank second all-time in a single Leafs season behind Doug Gilmour.

Even having his best season to date, Nylander told The Athletic's Jonas Siegel in an interview published on Tuesday that what’s changed most in the last decade has nothing to do with his stats.

“I think I’m way more mature,” Nylander said. “I hope. Just being a little bit more of a professional. Before, I was a kid.”

1-on-1: William Nylander on his relationship with Craig Berube, missing Mitch Marner, and why he’s so comfortable in the Toronto spotlight: https://t.co/hF6Je9kOeA
— Jonas Siegel (@jonassiegel) December 2, 2025

Nylander added that his habits have shifted as he’s learned to slow the game down. He pointed to moments when he used to rush decisions, something that has changed as he’s developed a better feel for the game.

“Like navigating the split-second decision between shooting or passing,” Nylander said, “or even holding onto the puck that extra half-second to decide.”

There’s also a stronger focus on playing with structure and more responisbly, Nylander told Siegel.

“I try to be on the right side of the puck more often than not,” Nylander said. “Obviously, sometimes you end up cheating.”

Toronto Maple Leafs right wing William Nylander (88) skates during the warmup.Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images

Despite facing public criticism from head coach Craig Berube, Nylander has registered at least one point in 19 of his first 21 games and leads all Leafs in total points with 32 in 25 games.

Nylander, however, made it clear that the noise that constantly surrounds him and the Maple Leafs, whether the pressure is coming from the media or the fans, doesn't get to him.

“Maybe it’s because I don’t really care what anybody else outside the room is thinking,” Nylander said. “I just know what my level is and what I can and should be bringing to the table.

“I don’t see anything. I don’t look at anything. Occasionally, a buddy will say something funny about something somebody said, and I just laugh. That’s what it is.”

Toronto (11-11-3) faces the Florida Panthers (12-11-1) tonight at 7:30 p.m. ET.

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

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