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Toronto Maple Leafs Can Become the New 2010 Chicago Blackhawks

By Matthew Rodrigopulle

Nov 5, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs forward Auston Matthews (34) and forward William Nylander (29) congratulate defenseman Jake Gardiner (51) on his goal against the Vancouver Canucks at Air Canada Centre. Toronto defeated Vancouver 6-3. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 5, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs forward Auston Matthews (34) and forward William Nylander (29) congratulate defenseman Jake Gardiner (51) on his goal against the Vancouver Canucks at Air Canada Centre. Toronto defeated Vancouver 6-3. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 15, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs center William Nylander (29) after scoring a goal in the third period against the Nashville Predators at Air Canada Centre. The Maple Leafs defeated the Predators 6-2. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 15, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs center William Nylander (29) after scoring a goal in the third period against the Nashville Predators at Air Canada Centre. The Maple Leafs defeated the Predators 6-2. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports /

William Nylander (drafted eighth overall in 2014) — Patrick Sharp (acquired in 2005)

William Nylander could have easily been compared to Marian Hossa as well, but I felt that his fit on this Leafs roster is similar to how Patrick Sharp fit in for the Blackhawks.

Acquired in 2005, Sharp quickly moulded with the Blackhawks and picked up his game, scoring 62, 44, and 66 points in the 2007-08, 2008-09, and 2009-10 seasons respectively. Nylander currently has 15 points in 20 games, and is set to be growing star in this league for years to come if things go as projected.

A significant thing to note as well is that Sharp has the ability to play both the wing and centre positions, much like Nylander. Sharp played centre during their 2010 cup run, but eventually switched to the wing.

Nylander currently plays as Auston Matthews’ winger, however he may move to the 2nd line centre position in upcoming years. It will be interesting to see how he will excel at whatever position he is given, like Sharp.

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