William Nylander on Maple Leafs’ dressing room mood: ‘It’s not going to help being frustrated’
Through 64 games, the Maple Leafs sit with a record of 27-26-11, finding themselves in last place in the Atlantic Division and en route to missing the playoffs for the first time in nine seasons. As for the mood Nylander is feeling, the 29-year-old kept it very honest.
“It’s really hard to stay optimistic in this situation. Just trying to get a win tonight,” Nylander said. “It’s not going to help being frustrated. I think the mood in the locker room has changed a little bit. It’s made it a better environment.”
In 47 games this season, Nylander has recorded 21 goals and 38 assists, posting the most points with 59, among all Maple Leafs skaters. At Monday’s practice, Nylander was skating alongside John Tavares and Matias Maccelli. The pairing of Nylander and Tavares is something that could help boost the offence.
“Yeah we’ve played together a lot. We play with good chemistry and are looking to create chances,” Nylander said. “I’m looking forward to it.”
While speaking at the Maple Leafs’ morning skate, head coach Craig Berube was asked about Nylander, stating it was harder to stay optimistic as the losses have continued to mount. Berube discussed whether his mentality or approach has changed on how he’s handled the players.
“I definitely grab guys individually and talk to them. Just talking about how we need to work our way through it,” Berube said. “It’s got to be a team effort, but we need every individual to play at a high level.
As 18 games remain, in what has been a disappointing 2025-26 campaign for the Maple Leafs, Nylander was asked if he believes that the club can shake this season off and get back to playing at a high level that many have become accustomed to seeing, turning this year into a one-off.
“Yeah, I sure hope that that’s the case,” Nylander said.
One Maple Leaf who fans have wanted to see get more ice-time is former 2023 first-round draft pick, Easton Cowan. Through 48 games, Cowan has totaled eight goals and 11 assists. Nylander touched on what he has seen from the rookie forward.
“He’s been really good at different points throughout the year,” Nylander said. “He’s getting better every game.”