William Nylander Gives Leafs Teammate John Tavares the Props He Rightfully Deserves

With the collaborative campaign still ongoing in Italy, William Nylander sat down for his first interview since locker cleanout day in Toronto.

Speaking with The Fourth Period, the conversation didn't go as it did with other Maple Leafs; instead of being asked about himself or Mitch Marner, Nylander was asked about former Maple Leafs captain John Tavares.

The star winger had nothing but praise for Tavares, highlighting his leadership on and off the ice as well as his relentless commitment to winning. Tavares joined Toronto in 2018-19 after leaving the New York Islanders to fulfill a lifelong dream of playing for his hometown team. Since then, he has been a calm and sensible presence and an integral piece of the Maple Leafs core.

Nylander and the rest of Toronto's top players have benefited greatly from Tavares' guidance over the years. He continues to set the standard in the locker room, not only through his performance but also through his decisions.

This summer, Tavares agreed to a major pay cut, signing in Toronto with a cap hit of just $4.38 million, despite reports that other teams were prepared to offer him $8-9 million on a short-term deal.

Even at 34 years old, Tavares showed his worth with 38 goals and 74 points in 75 games-just shy of a point per game. That kind of production at his age is rare, and Nylander's praise feels more than justified.

For the Maple Leafs, Tavares' willingness to sacrifice for the team could set a precedent. Contract negotiations have long been one of the club's biggest hurdles in building a true contender. If their former captain can make sacrifices to win, it may encourage others to follow his lead and stay in Toronto for less, keeping the focus on chasing a championship.