Toronto Maple Leafs: 5 Players Who Need to Step Up in Round One

1) William Nylander

William’s father Michael Nylander was a strong playoff performer with 34 points in 47 games, including six goals in 13 games for the New York Ranger in 2007. Can Nylander replicate or do better than his father?

Nylander has had some experience in postseason with the Toronto Marlies,  where in 19 games he scored seven goals and added seven assists for 14 points, including 11 points in 14 games. He has earned the praise of Mike Babcock for the way he has performed recently, especially in the big game on Saturday night against the Pittsburgh Penguins.

Where Nylander’s impact is felt the most on the Leafs is on the powerplay, where he leads them with 26 points. His play-making abilities are what has made him the second-best rookie on the team, finishing second on the team in assists with 39.

Nylander’s shot is something that Washington will have to watch for, as it is an underrated part of his game. He finished fourth among Leafs skaters with 22 goals and if he is not playing on Matthews’ line, then he will have to carry more of an offensive load.