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Leafs’ William Nylander on current struggles: ‘I don’t know if I’ve felt like this before’
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Photo credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
Jeremy Tingly
Dec 22, 2025, 10:00 ESTUpdated: Dec 22, 2025, 09:03 EST
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The Toronto Maple Leafs are struggling to find consistency this season, and their most confident player is currently in unfamiliar territory.
After the Maple Leafs submitted a great effort against the Dallas Stars, only to lose 5-1, William Nylander was asked about what’s going on, and admitted after the game that he’s not feeling like himself these days.
“It’s just not going in, that’s the way it is. I don’t know if I’ve felt like this before, or had a stretch like this. I’m not sure, I don’t feel like I’ve had that in the NHL, at least,” Nylander said.
Nylander was held pointless for the fourth straight game and hasn’t scored since November 26. Craig Berube had the lines in a blender of late, and unfortunately for everyone involved, the changes haven’t sparked a single thing. Regardless of his linemates, Nylander’s in unchartered waters, but he’s not alone.
“Our confidence is low right now. For me, scoring’s hard to come by. I actually feel pretty good right now, lots of chances every night. Whether it’s me or my line we’re getting chances. That’s the way you have to look at it.”
Nylander has spent the majority of his season alongside John Tavares, meanwhile, their left winger has been a rotation of either Nick Robertson, Bobby McMann, Easton Cowan, or most recently, Matias Maccelli. While the results have been lacking, Nylander’s not ready to let the struggles effect his mindset heading into the next game.
“Look, you just have to leave the rink now, forget about it. Everybody’s frustrated, you can’t bring it home, you have to let your mind relax, and just focus on the next game, and your next shift.”
The Maple Leafs will look to get back on track Tuesday when they host the Pittsburgh Penguins for an afternoon affair, before having three games off for their holiday break. Nylander is well aware how important it is for everyone to hit the reset button before heading home.

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