If you had to evaluate the best passers in the NHL some would go past the Toronto Maple Leafs and go right to the guy who has been the answer for the past few years, Joe Thornton, who is a passing legend as he continues to age.
However, if you would like to take a new spin on the best passer in the game and come up with an answer that all hipsters would rejoice in, it would now be Toronto Maple Leafs own, William Nylander.
Watching this kid with the puck is a special sight. Take Thursday night’s defensive stick work against the New York Rangers when he took away a possible scoring chance, and that’s not even the central point of discussion.
Even his possession numbers won’t be the topic of conversation in this article, that will be saved for another piece. What will be is his tremendous ability to pass the puck, quickly establishing himself as one of the best passers in the game among other elite passing prowess players such as previously named Thornton and another guy by the name of Patrick Kane.
The Saucer Pass
The ability to execute a saucer pass is a special gift that most players in the NHL possess.
It’s much harder to come by a player who can deliver said pass at an efficient rate, tape-to-tape, that stands out. There are certain variables one has to consider when trying to complete some sauce.
The speed at which the player is traveling, the speed of the puck, the speed of the player where you’re trying to get the pass too, the distance between the passer and recipient, any obstacles in the way, how close the obstacles are and how high and low they are to the puck, such as a stick, skate or a players body.
All of these are considered by the passer in the moment and on the fly. We can’t just assume that every player has this special skill set. I reserve that this craft is perfected by none other than Kaner.
However, young Willie is quickly making a name for himself in the soft mittens category of saucing a vulcanized rubber disk when on the ice.
Anyone can sauce the puck at a great distance and this play is utilized by teams quite often in today’s game for stretch passes an example, but few can shorten the distance of the pass to get from point A to point B the right way.
For example, Nylander had one of the dirtiest dishes I have seen in a while after holding on to the puck for a few seconds the other night against the Winnipeg Jets (jump to 3:25 into the video). Very close to his target, but still up and over the obstacle, tape-to-tape. He is perfecting his saucer pass abilities already, and he’s just in his rookie season.
Creative Passes
There are a few ways to pass the puck and I’m not going to sit here and describe them all to you. I know my readers are intelligent hockey fans and are able to distinguish the differences.
I do think that it would be considered larceny to not showcase creative passes made when analyzing Nylander’s passing capabilities.
On Thursday night, Willie made a beautiful drop pass to Leo Komarov. Unfortunately, the play didn’t result in a goal scored for the Leafs.
We still have to marvel at the play that could’ve been, though. Upon further review of the pass to Uncle Leo, Nylander barely pokes his head back to see if he was even there, it must have just been his uncanny spider-senses tingling.
A few weeks ago, Matthews, Nylander, and Kadri connected for what, in my opinion, will be one of the top 10 goals of the year. It was a normal night, the Leafs playing the Calgary Flames so there wasn’t expected to be much animosity between the two clubs.
But, Matthews and Nylander collaborated for a spectacular assist to Kadri as he finished the play off with his 100th career NHL goal. Both Matthews and Nylander weren’t on their skates when they made their respective passes and the puck still got to its desired destination, A.K.A. the back of the net via Kadri’s stick.
Now, these are just two examples of his excellent passing plays. Believe me when I say there are plenty more. Google it and see for yourself, or just wait on Saturday night when the Leafs play the Montreal Canadiens in what will be the Leafs most important game of the season, again, to see another slick pass from Willie.
Passing Thought
I would just like to take a moment to recognize my play on words there… Okay, all set. The point of this post is to share with you the fact that some of Nylander’s plays go unnoticed from time to time.
He is a terrific up-and-coming player that has a bright future ahead of him. Leafs management has said that they will be holding on to him, but anything is speculation right now.
Seeing as though his passing game has propelled him forward as far as stock value goes, he could be on his way out for a top-pairing defenseman that happens to be a righty. Again, just speculation and one’s opinion, specifically mine.
I don’t think that Nylander will ever get the full attention of the spotlight, in which a few of the Leafs players this year truly deserve. He will forever be Robin to Matthews’ or even Marner’s Batman. However, there’s always a silver lining.
Playing in the hockey’s universe brings in a lot of media attention, good and bad. Sometimes it can be a distraction for players. Nylander has a sublime opportunity to fade into the abyss and just be the best player he can be. Only time will tell, but it appears as though he will be a passing legend by careers end.