Ex-NHLer Shares Surprising Info Involving William Nylander and Leafs Coach Craig Berube

Maple Leafs winger William Nylander set a new career high in goals recently after scoring two in Toronto's 6-5 loss to the San Jose Sharks.

While Nylander had hit 40 goals twice before in his career, his current 42 goals marks his first time breaking the 40-goal mark, and the 28-year-old seems more comfortable on the ice than he's ever been.

Nylander himself was dismissive regarding the achievement saying the only thing that matters is making the playoffs, but his play this season and the reason for it has a definitive source, according to a former NHLer.

Jordan Schmatlz says he recently spoke with Nylander during a visit with his brother Justin, and Nylander simply couldn't stop praising the work of head coach Craig Berube.

Players respect Berube. It's not a new thing for the league, but it may very well be a new thing for the Maple Leafs over the last decade or so.

Nylander had been tagged in the past as a player who was lazy, and/or unwilling to take direction despite his offensive talent. That has changed under Chief.

Berube gives the impression that he really cares about his players, even when he's saying things like more shots need to be blocked in order for the team to have playoffs success. Players respond in kind.

Nylander has eight games left to pad his new career high in goals, but his focus is clearly more on not just making the playoffs, but being successful in the post-season. The Berube effect is real, and it's making a big impact in Toronto. It's also had a very positive impact for Nylander, which perhaps everyone had wondered about upon Berube's initial hiring.