Maple Leafs’ $92M star gives honest take on his future in Toronto
· Yahoo Sports
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.
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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.
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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.”
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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.
MLSE CEO Keith Pelley talked about it recently, post-Treliving’s firing, and took a measured approach to success.
“We have to be on the pathway to win the Stanley Cup,” Pelley said. “The city has told us. The media has told us that. we haven’t won since 1967.. We felt that this move would get us to the next level.”
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Nylander’s contract and the Maple Leafs’ struggles
Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Pillippe Myers (51) speaks with Oliver Ekman-Larsson (95), right wing William Nylander (88) at the Canadian Tire Centre. Mandatory Credit: Marc DesRosiers-IMAGN Images
Signed to an eight-year, $92 million contract, Nylander is expected to be a core piece moving forward. He has six more years left on his contract after this season. His production this season reinforces the belief that he is an important part of the Leafs’ core, even as the team struggles around him.
Toronto’s issues go beyond scoring, with defensive lapses, injuries, and inconsistent goaltending playing a major role in their slide. Still, Nylander’s message reflects a player committed to winning rather than rebuilding.
As the offseason approaches, the Leafs face major decisions about their future. For now, Nylander has made it clear that he wants to stay, but only if the organization remains focused on competing for the Stanley Cup.