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William Nylander: How Can Maple Leafs Fans Not Like Him?

Originally posted on Trade Talk Sports | By Old Prof | Last updated Sep 9, 2025 1:22 PM ET

William Nylander has always been a bit of an enigma with the Toronto Maple Leafs. Some fans think he’s too laid-back, too casual, maybe even a little aloof. But when you look at the way he approaches the game, the picture that emerges is something very different. At his core, Nylander loves to play hockey.

Nylander Is a Player Who Just Loves the Game

He’s the guy who sticks around after practice, still skating and shooting long after most teammates have hit the showers. That extra time isn’t for show. It’s just the way he works—steady, repetitive, intentional. It doesn’t always grab headlines, but it adds up. Season after season, Nylander has quietly become one of the Maple Leafs’ most reliable scorers.

Nylander Chooses Joy Over Pressure

In the 2023–24 playoffs, he gave a simple but revealing answer when asked about the pressure: hockey is fun. That comment landed with some as glib, but really it spoke volumes. For Nylander, the game isn’t about grinding through obligations. It’s about joy. It’s about leaning into the moment, even when the spotlight is at its brightest.

Nylander Never Complains, and He Always Competes

That joy shows up when the Maple Leafs’ season ends too early, as it often has. Instead of packing up or disappearing for the summer, Nylander heads straight to the World Championships to represent Sweden. Most players would welcome a break. Nylander laces them up again, eager for more time on the ice.

Through all of this, he never complains. Not about media scrutiny. Not about being the subject of trade rumors. Not about the pressure of playing in Toronto. He just keeps showing up, producing, and playing with a style that’s both effortless and effective.

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

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