William Nylander’s Comments Expose Deep-Rooted Team Chemistry Issues

The Toronto Maple Leafs have struggled to begin the season and currently find themselves tied for last place in the NHL’s Eastern Conference. Tonight, the Leafs will face off against one of the few teams below them in the standings when they host the St. Louis Blues.

Tonight’s game presents a massive opportunity for the team to right the ship with a win; otherwise, the market will reach critical levels of panic with a loss.

The Missing Link: Team Chemistry and Grit

Over the years, the Maple Leafs have faced questions from fans about the team’s refusal to stand up for one another. Through their Stanley Cup run, Brad Marchand highlighted how close the entire Florida Panthers roster was. Marchand echoed the sentiment that the team did everything together, citing it as one of the main reasons they were so tightly bonded on the ice.

William Nylander’s Revealing Comments

Yesterday, Maple Leafs forward William Nylander shared with the media a comment which, on the surface, seems positive. However, upon deeper reflection, it may highlight the true issues facing this team. Nylander had the following to say about the team’s trip to Chicago:

“I think we needed it. I mean, we haven’t been able to spend a lot of time because we have been home a lot. So it’s good to get some time with the guys and enjoy that night.”

Home Ice Advantage or Distraction?

While it is completely understandable that players would prioritize their home life, it is discouraging to see that a team was unable to find time to bond throughout the beginning of the season. Of their first 19 games of the season, the Maple Leafs have played 13 games at home. Unfortunately for them, their record on the road this year is 1-5-0, with the lone victory coming against the Philadelphia Flyers.

A Fractured Core

For years, Toronto has faced accusations that the players refuse to stand up for one another on the ice. The perception remains that players would rather skate away from a scrum than have each other’s backs. While that has been obvious for those watching, these recent comments reaffirm the divide in the locker room.

The Leafs have an extremely talented core of players headlined by Auston Matthews and William Nylander, but the organization still feels fractured. This doesn’t feel like a group of players willing to bleed for one another or go into battle in difficult situations. It doesn’t matter how many times you adjust the players around the periphery; the heart and soul of this team struggles to beat.

Conclusion: In Need of a Heart Transplant

Before things get better in Toronto, the organization likely needs a full heart transplant. Players need to play for one another—something that fans have felt Toronto has been lacking for years.