William Nylander is no longer just a top scorer for the Toronto Maple Leafs. His advanced metrics firmly place him among the NHL’s elite forwards. They show why he is the force behind the Maple Leafs offence heading into the 2025–26 season. His blend of shot creation, skating ability, and high-danger scoring makes him indispensable to Toronto’s game plan and future success.
Elite Shooting & Scoring Profile
In the 2024–25 season, Nylander scored 45 goals, second in the league behind only Leon Draisaitl (52). More importantly, his scoring wasn’t built on garbage goals. If we take a closer look, it came from all three zones on the ice. Thanks to NHL’s EDGE analytics we can provide a more detailed perspective.
He finished third among all forwards in mid-range shooting percentage (18.2 %). That put him in the 88th percentile in that category. He ranked in the 94th percentile among forwards for high-danger goals (18) and 92nd percentile for high-danger shots on goal (67). Also, his shot speed was elite. He had a top shot speed of 93.82 mph (93rd percentile among forwards) and average shot speed 62.10 mph (87th percentile).
These figures show his finishing ability is not just high in volume, but high in quality. He gets shots from dangerous areas, uses elite speed and shot power, and finishes consistently.
Mobility, Work Rate & Transition Impact
Beyond the shot metrics, Nylander’s skating and work rate metrics stand out. He ranked in the 81st percentile among forwards in 20+ mph speed bursts, and in the 95th percentile in total miles skated at all strengths (255.84) and 97th percentile in even-strength miles (218.13).
What that means:
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Nylander is able to join rushes, recover defensively, and sustain high pace.
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His transition game is a threat, he can escape pressure and generate offence off the rush, which multiplies his value beyond set-plays.
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For a Leafs team that needs more than static set-ups, especially after the departure of Mitch Marner, Nylander offers that dynamic edge.
Leadership in the Offensive Core
With Marner gone, Toronto’s offensive identity is in transition, yet Nylander remains a constant. In early 2025–26 stats, he jumped out to 14 points (three goals, 11 assists) in 8 games. That pace, even in small sample size, reinforces his role as the engine, driving offence, setting tempo, and filling the creative void left by Marner. Moreover, his consistent shot generation, 253 shots in 2024–25 alone means he creates volume and quality, not just opportunistic output.
Why This Matters for the Leafs
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Elite shooter + volume = game changer: A player who shoots at Nylander’s rate from dangerous areas is valuable in any lineup.
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Transition game fits Toronto’s evolving identity: With the team needing more skating and pace after roster changes, Nylander is the kind of dynamic winger that fits the blueprint.
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Reliable top-six production: In a post-Marner era, the Leafs need players who can step up consistently. Nylander has been doing so.
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Playoff readiness: The advanced metrics high‐danger goals, shot quality, speed suggest his game isn’t just regular-season friendly it can translate when the stakes are higher.
Watch-Points & Room for Growth
Even the best shot metrics don’t guarantee playoff success. This opens the question, will Nylander maintain his pace when competition stiffens? Defensive engagement remains an area frequently referenced. Though elite offensively, the Leafs will need his two-way game to match his offensive impact. How Toronto deploys him with the new offensive structure post-Marner will matter, top-line minutes, power play usage, and chemistry will affect sustainability.
Conclusion
Nylander is not just one of the Toronto Maple Leafs’ best players, he’s the engine of their offence. Moreover, his elite shot metrics, high‐pace skating profile, and early‐season production affirm that he is the foundational offensive piece in a season of transition for Toronto. With Marner’s departure and the team redefining itself, Nylander’s emergence as the go-to creator, finisher, and dynamic forward might be exactly what the Leafs need to take the next step.
Main Photo: Timothy T. Ludwig-Imagn Images
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