NHL: Toronto Maple Leafs at Dallas Stars - Source: Imagn

William Nylander doesn't mince his words about reduced ice time under Craig Berube

Modified Dec 19, 2024 19:23 GMT

William Nylander scored two goals in the Toronto Maple Leafs' 5-3 road win against the Dallas Stars. He did so while recording just 16:27 of total ice time, the fourth-lowest amount he's played in a game this season.

Nylander previously expressed concerns with new coach Craig Berube over his lower ice time. His ice time has spiked since he voiced his displeasure.

Nylander addressed it in a one-on-one conversation with Jonas Siegel of the Athletic.

"Eighteen minutes is a good amount of ice time. But some games, because there was so much (penalty killing for our team), I was playing like 15 minutes and I said, then it's hard for me to play," Nylander said.

Nylander felt he was unable to find a rhythm at times when playing such reduced minutes.

"To do the things that I want to be able to do on the ice like maybe you're skating and you want to get a step, you gotta put the puck in between the guy's stick, the more you're into the game the easier it is," Nylander added.

Nylander also commented on his relationship with Berube to begin his tenure.

"I think that what Craig brings to the table is huge," Nylander said. "He's obviously won before, and I think he's a great person, great communicator. If there's ever anything that you feel you can go talk to him and he's honest with what he thinks."

William Nylander remains productive despite his fluctuating ice time

William Nylander's ice time totals may be up and down under Craig Berube, but it hasn't impacted his production.

Nylander has 33 points (20 goals, 13 assists) in 32 games played. His 20 goals on the year have him tied for fourth in the NHL in the category behind only Leon Draisaitl, Kirill Kaprizov and Brayden Point.

His 0.625 goals per game put him on track to record 51 goals this season, surpassing his previous high of 40 goals scored in 2023 and 2024.

The Maple Leafs will next head to Buffalo in a matchup with the struggling Sabres on Friday night. The puck drops at 7 p.m. EST.