Nylander gets defensive when asked about Leafs' core after OT loss

William Nylander got very defensive when asked about the Maple Leafs' core following heartbreaking OT loss to the Boston Bruins in Game 7.

The Toronto Maple Leafs lost in the first round yet again, making this the 7th time in their last 8 seasons in the Matthews, Marner, Nylander era. It also doesn't help that it was against the Boston Bruins, which adds another layer of frustration for fans.

The core of Auston Matthews, William Nylander, and Mitch Marner have been present for every playoff defeat while John Tavares has been around since 2018-19. Something's got to give when it comes to their expensive superstars but Nylander doesn't believe that's true.

With every failed season, players like Nylander and Matthews are going to be hounded by the media about whether or not the Maple Leafs need to blow up the core and start fresh. It's a great argument because they are literally proving Albert Einstein's theory of insanity correct: «Insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results.»


After their Game 7 overtime defeat, Nylander was asked about the failing core yet again and came back with a response that was spicier than usual:

«Look, I don't think there's an issue with the core. I think we're f***ing right there. We battled hard and, I mean, got to Game 7, OT. That's a sh*tty feeling."


To Nylander's credit, the Maple Leafs did a pretty good job at mitigating the Bruins' offense for most of the series and they downright dominated large stretches, primarily in Games 5 and 6. Game 7 was a dog fight both ways with Toronto having the better chances and opportunities, but their $40M worth of stars could not seem to solve the brick-wall goaltending of Jeremy Swayman.

However in a city that lives and breathes hockey, it's hard to come back from another first round defeat. It's even harder to look your fanbase in the eyes and tell them that you're going to bring back the same cast of characters and expect a different result.

Matthews had 1 goal and 4 points in 5 games this series, Nylander had 3 goals in 4 games, Marner had 1 goal and 3 points in 7 games, and Tavares had 1 goal and 2 points in 7 games. Not nearly enough from your star players, especially Marner and Tavares, who combine for essentially $22 million dollars in cap space.

The Maple Leafs' front office is going to have to dig deep this summer and truly evaluate what they have on hand because something isn't working. Matthews and Nylander have been extended but Marner and Tavares will be playing on expiring contracts should they remain on the club come October. Moving at least one of them will be vital in recouping cap space, plugging holes in the middle of their lineup, or finding a more competent goaltender alongside Joseph Woll.