The Toronto Maple Leafs are having their worst season in nearly a decade. As the team prepares for their first playoff miss since 2015-16, star forward William Nylander‘s cryptic comments about the season have ignited speculation about his relationship with head coach Craig Berube.
When asked where things went wrong for the Leafs this season, Nylander was notably guarded in his response.
“I have my thoughts about maybe some stuff, but that’s something I’m going to keep to myself,” Nylander said.
The comment has sent fans into overdrive trying to decode what the forward really means. Many believe the target of his frustration is head coach Craig Berube.
Following are some fan reaction from X:
“Oh he definitely hates Berube”
“Willy pulling up to Craig’s house any day now,” quipped one user.
“So how many coaches does that make now that little Willy and company didn’t like? Nylander searching for what’s wrong needs to look in a mirror. And not to adjust his gold chains,” wrote another fan.
“Yeah, Berube is as good as gone,” one fan wrote.
Many believe it might be the last season for Craig Berube in Toronto. Some even speculated GM Brad Treliving’s job might be in jeopardy as well.
“The coach and gm will be fired very quickly after the last game of the season,” commented another user.
“Truth: Willy had a hard time with Stolartz after the early season episode in the media. Berube took Stolartz side so to speak and since then the relationship has soured. This is also why Berube made him the whipping boy even though he’s been our most consistent player,” read one comment.
As the Leafs limp toward the finish line of a disastrous season, the relationship between Nylander and Craig Berube will be one of many storylines to watch.
William Nylander candid on missing playoffs
The 2025-26 campaign has been tumultuous for both William Nylander and the Leafs organization.
Nylander has already found himself at the center of multiple controversies. He flipped off a TV camera while sitting in the press box during a game, faced criticism for not defending Matthews after an injury caused by Radko Gudas and somehow managed to accidentally injure three different Leafs goalies during warmups this season.
When asked about the team missing out the playoffs, he said:
“It’s weird to be in this position right now.”
William Nylander has been one of Toronto’s most productive players this season with 25 goals and 67 points in 55 games, yet he has faced constant criticism in face of the team’s collective failures. He is tied with John Tavares for second in goals on the team, trailing only the injured Auston Matthews.
The Maple Leafs are currently sitting 7th in the Atlantic Division with a 31-29 record and are essentially eliminated from playoff contention.
Edited by Anjum Rajonno