Former Maple Leafs Forward Makes Wild Assertion About Star Winger William Nylander
Former Maple Leafs forward and current analyst Kris Versteeg shared a bold take on current forward William Nylander that is sure to draw some interesting reactions.
The Toronto Maple Leafs have been getting incredible production out of star winger William Nylander, who has already scored a career-best 42 goals this year and has helped Toronto in their ascension to 1st place in the Atlantic Division.
While there's no doubt he's one of the best players at his position in the NHL, one former member of the Maple Leafs and a current analyst believes that there is nobody better right now.
Ex-Leafs forward Kris Versteeg, who is currently a contributor on Sportsnet's Hockey Central and Sirius XM NHL Radio, emphatically stated that Nylander may be the top winger in hockey today while appearing on The JD Bunkis Podcast.
"At the start of last year, he was up there with it, but I'm happy that Willy is doing it at this point in the season. Willy started so hot at the start of last season in his contract year, got the contract, comes into this season, and carries it throughout the year. When he's engaged, puck-dominant and doing all the things he can do, there's not many like him. Who's a better winger in the NHL right now than him, who can dominate a puck? Who can you think of?"
Obviously, most who listened to the clip are probably immediately going to Nikita Kucherov in their mind. Kucherov is in an intense race for the Art Ross Trophy this season, and may be in the Hart Trophy conversation as well. Still, Versteeg doubled down on his comments.
"If they are going to win in the playoffs, Willy is going to have to carry it into the playoffs. He's shown in the past he can do it. But if he gets into the playoffs feeling good about his game, which is a big thing for him, if he can get in there healthy, this guy is the X-factor for this team... Willy, the biggest thing with him is the rink he'll take in certain moments of big games. He takes a lot of risks in his game, but if he's feeling good about it, that makes the Leafs a super deadly team. The way Willy's been playing, I'd say he's the best winger in the entire NHL."
It's a bold take for sure, but one that may ring true sooner than later, with Kucherov entering his twilight years very shortly.
Do you think William Nylander is the best winger in hockey? Let us know in the poll below!
| POLL | ||
AVRIL 4 | 2340 ANSWERS Former Maple Leafs Forward Makes Wild Assertion About Star Winger William Nylander Do you agree with Kris Versteeg's assessment of William Nylander? | ||
| Yes | 1482 | 63.3 % |
| No | 858 | 36.7 % |
| List of polls | ||
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