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Toronto Maple Leafs Roundtable: Mid-Season Awards

By Chris Okrainetz

Jan 1, 2017; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs players embrace forward Auston Matthews (34) after he scored the overtime winning goal in a 5-4 win over Detroit Red Wings in the Centennial Classic ice hockey game at BMO Field. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 1, 2017; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs players embrace forward Auston Matthews (34) after he scored the overtime winning goal in a 5-4 win over Detroit Red Wings in the Centennial Classic ice hockey game at BMO Field. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports /
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Toronto Maple Leafs
Nov 15, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs center William Nylander (29) after scoring a goal in the third period against the Nashville Predators at Air Canada Centre. The Maple Leafs defeated the Predators 6-2. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports /

Most Scrutinized Player

This is the player fans, media, or anyone in general has been most critical of this season.

Chris Okrainetz: Matt Hunwick and Roman Polak are the easy picks here since just about everyone has taken a shot at the “Hunlak” pairing this season. However, Nylander has been scrutinized a lot this season too.

On top of being demoted to the fourth line for a brief stint, we’ve heard Nylander’s name come up in trade ideas, although I think we can all agree that was nothing serious, and his defensive issues have been brought up a few times this season.

Dave Morassutti: For some reason Nylander has been scrutinized the most among Leafs players and it is tough to understand why. He is only 20 years old, plays well on the power play and consistently drives possession most nights. He may not be a lightning rod on defence, but considering the numerous times he has been moved up and down the lineup it is surprising to see him produce like he has.

Jake Middleton: Early on it was Anderson until he rounded into form, but for some reason it has become William Nylander, and I’m not really sure why.

An ELITE winger, Nylander has been criticized by Babcock and others for his seemingly lackadaisical body language and shaky defensive play. The subject of trade rumors early on, the Leafs would be doing themselves an extreme disservice if they ever traded away the dynamic young Swede for anything other than an elite top pairing defenseman. His skill level is arguably the highest on the team and is a pillar for the next 10-15 years.

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