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Toronto Maple Leafs: Nylander Accomplishments in 2016-17

By Andrew Boehmer

Dec 23, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Toronto Maple Leafs center William Nylander (29) scores a breakaway goal on Arizona Coyotes goalie Mike Smith (41) during the third period at Gila River Arena. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 23, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Toronto Maple Leafs center William Nylander (29) scores a breakaway goal on Arizona Coyotes goalie Mike Smith (41) during the third period at Gila River Arena. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports /
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Toronto Maple Leafs are stocked full of rookies this season who are playing large roles and William Nylander is helping to lead the charge.

Nylander was drafted 8th overall in the 2014 NHL Entry Draft by the Toronto Maple Leafs. He has more than lived up to the hype so far in his young career.

He’s a speedy player with a tremendous shot, a lethal dosage of excellence and poise that few players his age possess. Heck, few players in the league have the same high-end skill level of play that he does for that matter.

William Nylander Accomplishments

Now, Nylander didn’t come out and score four goals in his NHL debut like Matthews did. However, he was an integral part of the process, providing two assists. One on Matthews first career NHL goal and the other on his fourth of the game against the Ottawa Senators opening night.

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He was named Rookie of the Month in October by recording 11 points in nine games played. Much deserving of the honor.

With 21 goals and 57 points in 73 games played this season, he’s chasing the franchise rookie point record of 66 set by Peter Ihnacak. Although Matthews has a better shot of capturing the record, Nylander’s still in the discussion. Don’t forget Mitchell Marner in that category too.

Don’t forget Mitchell Marner in that category too.

Nylander scored his first career NHL hat trick in a victory over the Boston Bruins on 4 February 2017. It was a big win for the team as they’re battling for a playoff spot with the Bruins.

He set a new franchise record for a consecutive point streak of 10 games. In that span, he registered four goals and 12 points. In doing so, he eclipsed 25 power-play points on the season to nestle in with the franchise rookie mark, meaning he needs to just one more to own it.

The kid has been straight fire since 1 February 2017, with 11 goals and 26 points in total. He leads the Leafs in points throughout that time period. Not to mention, he’s second on the team in points.

Not to mention, he’s second on the team in points.

Nylander’s also one of three Leafs rookies to record 50 points in their debut season, making them the first trio to complete this since the 1992-93 season.

On Pace

Nylander is on pace for 24 goals and 64 points on the season. Like I said, he’s got a shot at the Leafs rookie point record, but will be fighting teammates Matthews and Marner for it.

Although he still has a chance.

Going forward, Nylander will prove to be one of the Toronto Maple Leafs best offensive players. Better yet, he’s one of the best all around members of the team at just 20 years of age. And there’s always room to improve.

I know, hard to believe, eh?

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