It’s not really a good time to be a fan of the Toronto Maple Leafs. After missing the playoffs for the first time in a decade, sweeping changes are likely to take hold in Toronto. Out went general manager Brad Treliving, and with head coach Craig Berube’s future also uncertain, more changes could be on the horizon.
And if that wasn’t enough, William Nylander and Auston Matthews’ exit interviews appear to have rubbed a number of fans the wrong way. One former Leafs enforcer did not pull his punches after taking notice of Nylander’s supposedly uninterested attitude in dissecting Toronto’s season.
Ex-Leafs Enforcer Jay Rosehill Blasts William Nylander
Nylander’s exit interview lasted about a minute and a half, where the Swedish forward blamed the laundry list of injuries for dooming Toronto’s season.
“I think that with all the injuries and stuff that we had this year, it was a big factor, and I don’t think that we won’t be coming back there, that’s what my belief is,” Nylander said in his media availability.
Unlike Matthews’ interview, where he shouldered some of the blame for what is perhaps Toronto’s worst season in recent memory, Nylander stopped short of mentioning accountability. That did not sit well with Jay Rosehill, who unleashed an unfiltered rant on The Leafs Nation podcast.
“I can’t help but think that, being in that room, and looking at how this team was struggling and missed the mark, and all the turmoil, and falling from grace, and the negativity that was this season. When you look at why, I can’t help but look at Willy,” Rosehill said.
“You’re the guy that’s supposed to keep this on the rails. Grow up. If you talk about culture problems and issues with leadership, I don’t think you have to look too far. It’s screaming from the mountaintops.
“Everything William Nylander does is pissing people off and does not say anything towards ‘Stanley Cup-contending team.’ You’re supposed to be the tip of the spear with that stuff. I can’t help but think that if the culture needs to change, Willy needs to change drastically. That was embarrassing yesterday.”
Nylander has been one of the lone bright spots in a season where the Leafs just couldn’t find their footing. He finished the season with 79 points (30G, 49A) in 65 games, numbers that don’t read all that bad. But then again, the Leafs just collectively failed to show up for most of the season, especially on the defensive side of things.
A new summer will hopefully bring fresh faces to Toronto, but with their rumored top target Sunny Mehta taking the GM job with the New Jersey Devils, the Leafs still need to get a general manager in place before making any plans for the summer. They are, however, reaching out to franchise legend Mats Sundin for a role in the front office in a move to steady the ship.
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