William Nylander Has Thoughts About What Went Wrong with Maple Leafs This Season

Toronto Maple Leafs forward William Nylander

Everyone has been debating just what went wrong with the Toronto Maple Leafs this season. Losing Mitch Marner was an issue right from the start, but from first to worst, the team has collapsed beyond anyone's wildest imagination.

Everything from character to coaching, from talent to togetherness, from offense to defense. The blame has been directed at many different issues this season.

The Leafs' leading scorer, William Nylander, was asked what he thought about it, and if there was anything different the team could have done this season. He said he has some thoughts about it... But he's not spilling the beans.

William Nylander kept his thoughts to himself when asked if there was something different he wishes the Maple Leafs did this season. pic.twitter.com/QTI4lpDhoZ
— TSN (@TSN_Sports) March 27, 2026

"I have my thoughts about maybe some stuff, but that's something I'm going to keep to myself."

...Said the guy who, among other things, inexplicably gave the finger to the TV cameras from the press box while sitting out a game with an injury.

You can start with this! pic.twitter.com/TCoHjazJGS
— Jason🇨🇦 (@jaeloop) March 27, 2026

Or who stood around and watched Auston Matthews get chopped down by The Butcher, Radko Gudas, and did nothing.

Maybe Nylander will tell all at the end of the season. Or maybe he won't. Maybe he'll save it for a book one day.

We do know that he's had his moments with head coach Craig Berube. Including being called aside into the coach's office at one point. But then he also had a fun moment at practice with his coach on Friday, which they both quite enjoyed.

The Leafs will miss the playoffs this season for the first time since 2016, the year that Nylander first suited up for the team.

Leafs CEO conducting a 'deep dive on things', regardless of Nylander's thoughts

Regardless of what Nylander thinks went wrong this year, MLSE CEO Keith Pelley is looking for his own answers. According to insider Pierre LeBrun, Pelley is holding "one-on-one meetings with different staff throughout the Leafs organization of late. He’s trying to do a deep dive on things...

"I should point out that Pelley hasn’t limited his meetings to just within the organization but to also meeting with people and picking the brains of people throughout the league."

It remains to be seen if a one-on-one with Willie is on Pelley's agenda.