Maple Leafs’ $92M star gives honest take on his future in Toronto
The Toronto Maple Leafs are enduring a difficult 2025-26 NHL season, sitting near the bottom of the Atlantic Division. They have missed the playoffs for the first time since 2016. Injuries, roster changes, and defensive struggles have derailed their campaign.
Amid the chaos, William Nylander has stood out as the team’s most consistent performer and current points leader. Nylander has delivered 72 points in just 59 games, leading Toronto in both assists and overall production. While much of the roster has struggled, the Swedish winger has continued to drive offense and create scoring chances.
His performances have been one of the few positives in an otherwise disappointing year. MORE: NHL analyst warns Maple Leafs to take ‘longer road’ after GM firing Despite uncertainty around the franchise, Nylander made his stance clear when speaking to “The Athletic” after Wednesday’s practice. He expressed a strong desire to remain in Toronto but tied that commitment to the team’s direction.
“Unless it was a full rebuild and we were going to get rid of everybody, then it’s a different story. Then you take that conversation then,” Nylander said. “But just to do a retool or whatever, I don’t even know, but I mean, I still want to be here, yeah.
” Maple Leafs’ situation post-Olympics Nylander’s comments come at a critical time for the organization. The team recently moved on from general manager Brad Treliving, signaling potential changes ahead. Questions remain about whether the Leafs will attempt a quick retool or consider a deeper reset.