William Nylander is entering another summer with questions surrounding the Toronto Maple Leafs, but the winger made one point clear in his latest offseason vlog: he still believes in winning in Toronto.
Nylander posted a video titled Start of Off-Season on his YouTube channel this week, giving fans a look at his early summer routine after one of the worst seasons in recent franchise history. The Leafs finished 32-36-14 and missed the Stanley Cup Playoffs for the first time since 2016, ending a nine-year postseason streak.
Despite growing speculation about major roster changes, Nylander pushed back against any idea of leaving.
“So, I mean, I don’t want to go anywhere. I love Toronto, and this has been home for me for so long. And nothing would make me happier than to win here. So, I hope that one day that dream comes true.”
MORE: Auston Matthews wants clarity, not an exit, as Maple Leafs face major reset
The comments arrive during a critical offseason for Toronto. The organization fired general manager Brad Treliving in March after a season defined by injuries, defensive breakdowns and the fallout from Mitch Marner’s departure to the Vegas Golden Knights.
Nylander remained one of the few consistent offensive pieces. He scored 30 goals and added 49 assists in 65 games for 79 points, though criticism followed him throughout the year as the team collapsed late in the season.
William Nylander still believes Leafs roster can compete
Nylander acknowledged the frustration of watching the playoffs without Toronto involved.
“One week after the season, I was like, ‘This is terrible. I want to be out there playing.’ Not that I ever thought it was good to not be in the playoffs, but being off and watching everybody else keep playing was just a terrible feeling.”
MORE: ‘100% right call’: Hockey analyst gives proof backing Maple Leafs’ decision to fire Craig Berube
He also pointed toward uncertainty around the roster and management structure heading into the summer.
“I’m always fired up for the next season. I would say I’m more curious to see what happens this summer with our team. I mean, we got a lot of great people and good players here. I know that we were capable of doing it. So, that’s what I’m excited for.”
Nylander’s stance matters because he is now one of the franchise’s central pillars. Auston Matthews missed significant time with an MCL injury, Marner is gone, and Toronto’s next front office will shape the roster around players already under long-term contracts.
Toronto faces major structural questions
The Leafs’ problems went far beyond scoring. Their defensive group lacked mobility and depth, while injuries to Anthony Stolarz and Joseph Woll exposed unstable goaltending. Toronto also allowed the most shots against in the NHL, showing how badly the team structure deteriorated.
Nylander’s comments suggest he still sees a competitive core, but the organization may view the situation differently. Toronto owns the first overall pick in the 2026 NHL Draft after winning the lottery, and league executives continue to debate whether the club should rebuild or attempt another quick turnaround.
MORE: ‘I’m quite happy’: Maple Leafs hire under fire as Keith Pelley defends John Chayka
For now, Nylander appears committed to being part of either path.
“When I’m in Toronto, I want to be fully focused on wanting to play the best hockey that I can. It’s nice at the same time to get away and take your mind somewhere else, and that way when you come in here, you are just coming in guns blazing, ready to go for the season.”
