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NHL Analyst attempts to give William Nylander a brand new nickname ahead of the 2024-25 season
Photo credit: USA Today Sports
An analyst for the NHL Network is seemingly attempting to end "Willy Styles", proposing a new nickname for Maple Leafs superstar William Nylander.
Maple Leafs forward William Nylander is coming off of a career year, scoring 40 goals and amassing a career-high 98 points in the 2023-24 season. Known for his impressive style both on and off the ice, Nylander was previously nicknamed 'Willy Styles' by former Maple Leaf Joe Thornton. The name has really stuck.
In the NHL Network's 'Top 20 Wingers Right Now' list, Nylander is ranked 8th -- two spots ahead of teammate Mitch Marner. During the discussion about the Swedish winger, NHL analyst Stu Grimson suggested a new nickname for him.
''We were fond of calling him 'Slick Willy' because his game is just that fluid. He may be amongst the smoothest players of the game.''
The two-time 40-goal scorer has the second most goals of any Leaf over the last five seasons, as outlined on the program, trailing only new Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews in that regard.
Nylander's substantial new contract, signed in the middle of last season, will pay the speedy winger $11.5 million annually for the next eight years, starting this year. Maple Leafs fans and the organization will be hoping Nylander continues his strong performance and justifies this significant investment.
Source: HockeyDB
William Nylander Statistics
William Nylander Statistics
| POLL | ||
AOUT 18 | 1649 ANSWERS NHL Analyst attempts to give William Nylander a brand new nickname ahead of the 2024-25 season Will William Nylander finally reach the 100-point plateau this year? | ||
| Yes | 947 | 57.4 % |
| No | 598 | 36.3 % |
| Unsure | 104 | 6.3 % |
| List of polls | ||