Leaf teammates don’t see Nylander’s career year slowing

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Now in his second decade as a Maple Leaf, Morgan Rielly has dealt with his fair share of controversy and media attention surrounding the club’s stars.

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Which is why he has a new admiration for William Nylander, and not just because he’ll be buying a few team meals with his $92 million US contract extension.

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“He let his play do the talking,” the defenceman and alternate captain said Monday. “I don’t think (the question of his forthcoming millions) ever changed who he was off the ice, the teammate in the room he his, or his attitude.

“He trained hard in the summer and has played outstanding for us.”

Nylander, matched mostly with centre John Tavares and as always, a key part of the power play, ranks first in team points (54) and in overall consistency.

Of the Core Four Leaf forwards, Nylander has been around longest and a Marlie before that.

“He believes in what’s going on here and continues to see things through,” said captain Tavares. “His evolution has been tremendous.”

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Nylander and the Leafs get back in action Tuesday, though the schedule isn’t yet half completed and the playoff bogeyman will still be there in April.

“I think he’ll handle it just fine,” Tavares declared of added pressure for Nylander. “He has continued belief in himself to be a great player, a difference maker.

“I don’t think I’ve met anyone that quite has the confidence like him. Sometimes a lot of guys aren’t having their best night or fighting the puck; I think every time he goes out there he truly believes the next play he makes is going to be a great one and wants the puck on his stick.”

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