"He's not going to be the Charlis Hustle": NHL analyst unwilling to expect William Nylander to lead the charge for Leafs

NHL: Carolina Hurricanes at Toronto Maple Leafs - Source: Imagn
William Nylander's defensive struggles have been persistent (Source: Imagn)

The Toronto Maple Leafs' defensive troubles are well known. They have conceded 22 goals in their last 5 games where they have earned just 1 point. While the D-core is responsible for the lack of effort, the forwards haven't done their bit.

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Maple Leafs forward William Nylander has headed the forward lines after captain Auston Matthews' injury. But his unwillingness to commit his entire 200-foot game came under scrutiny during the game against the Los Angeles Kings. When asked by reporters about a game-tying goal by Kevin Fiala, Nylander simply suggested being "tired" and getting caught up on the ice for too long.

NHL analyst Jeff O'Neill went scorched earth on Nylander when co-host Jamie McLean suggested that the Leafs forward had to do more than just score points for the team.

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"Stop expecting that. I've had enough, "O'Neill stated. "Like the guy's a wicked and talented player, but the idea of him digging in and leading the charge or whatever the hell that's expected, he's going to do what he wants, and he's going to produce a lot of points, and he's elite at doing that.
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"Other than that, stop asking for anything more because you're not going to get it. The fan base is not going to get it. We're not going to get it. The coaches aren't going to get it, and the three of us are not going to get it. We talked about it on this show. He ain't digging in. He's not going to be the Charlie Hustle and get in the forecheck and run people over."
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Nylander has contributed offensively with 26 points in 16 games so far. He has a 13-game point streak but has been absent with zero shots in the last two games, recording a single point.

NHL analyst asks for more accountability from Maple Leafs' leaders

Jamie McLean reaffirmed after O'Neill's statement that head coach Craig Berube, who has lamented a lack of effort from Nylander, shouldn't be made to ask for the extra effort. According to him, the leaders have to learn to take responsibility, something that John Tavares has been doing.

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"How many times Craig Berube's going to have to yell at him and say, "Willie, you're standing right there. Dig in." I get it. But at some point, the guys who are your leaders, they've got to find a way to dig you out of this.
"Because if you think that Nick Robertson's going to dig him up, maybe Sammy Blais's going to dig him out, it's not the case. John Tavares is doing everything he can. They're lucky to have John Tavares right now."

With the 20 game mark approaching, the Leafs sit second last in the Atlantic Division with 18 points.

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Edited by R. Nikhil Parshy
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