As the current top point producer for the Toronto Maple Leafs, it makes sense that William Nylander was awarded an eight-year, $92 million contract extension last week. The guy is a driving force in the offensive zone with the ability to score from all angles. In 562 games Willy Styles has 198 goals and 289 assists, including 35 game-winners. So how does Nylander compare to the greatest wingers in Maple Leafs history?
How Nylander Compares to the Best Toronto Wings of All Time
Here are some of the best Toronto wingers of all time. We will take a look at how Nylander compares.
George Armstrong – 1188 games as a Leaf – 713 points = 0.60 points per game ave.
Frank Mahovlich – 720 games as a Leaf – 597 points = 0.83 points per game ave.
Wendel Clark – 608 games as a Leaf – 441 points = 0.73 pt points game ave.
Lanny McDonald – 477 games as a Leaf – 459 points = 0.96 points per game ave.
Mitch Marner – 548 games as a Leaf – 600 points = 1.09 points per game ave.
William Nylander – 562 games as a Leaf – 487 points = 0.87 points per game ave.
When looking at overall points per NHL game, Nylander comparatively is right in the middle of the best Toronto Maple Leaf wings of all time.
Best Toronto Wingers in Leaf History and How They Compare Further to Nylander
George Armstrong – Maple Leafs RW 1949-1971
George Armstrong has an incredible history playing right wing for Toronto from 1949-1971. Armstrong averaged 0.25 goals per game and 0.35 assists. For 13 seasons Armstrong played as team captain. Most notably, he played with the Leafs as a four-time Stanley Cup Champion and was selected to play in seven NHL All-Star games. In addition to being a leader on the ice, Armstrong’s hard work and durability over many years as right wing earned him the respect of teammates, coaches, and fans.
Frank Mahovlich – Maple Leafs LW 1956-1968
Known as “The Big M” Frank Mahovlich skated with the Toronto Maple Leafs for nine years and took the Cup four times playing left wing. During those years he averaged 0.41 goals and 0.42 assists per game. Mahovlich scored 48 goals for the Leafs in the 1960-61 season which was a team record at the time. In the 1962 season training camp, Mahovlich had to walk out until he eventually was able to earn the deal he was looking for. After a rocky relationship, Mahovlich eventually was traded to the Detroit Red Wings.
Wendel Clark – Maple Leafs LW 1985-2000
Maple Leaf fans today still remember the physical play of Wendel “Captain Crunch” Clark. His tough physical presence led to more than just hits. In 608 games, Clark averaged 0.43 goals and 0.30 assists per game. As a rookie, Clark led the Maple Leafs in goals with 34 for the 1985-86 season. In his career-high 1993-1994 season Captain Crunch hammered 46 goals in just 64 games. Wendel Clark was not able to raise the Stanley Cup for the Maple Leafs but remains a fan favourite to this day.
Lanny McDonald – Maple Leafs RW 1973-1980
Playing seven years in Toronto, Lanny “Machine Gun” McDonald took a couple of seasons to heat up and soon found himself averaging over 40 goals each year. With the Leafs, Mac averaged 0.46 goals and 0.50 assists. Lanny McDonald made the All-Star team four years in a row while playing in Toronto. McDonald was able to finally raise the Stanley Cup in his last season playing for the Calgary Flames as a co-captain in 1989.
Mitch Marner – Maple Leafs RW 2016-Present
Currently, “Magic Mitch” is on his way to becoming one of the greatest Maple Leaf wingers of all time. Marner has averaged 0.34 goals and an incredible 0.75 assists per game. Mitchell Marner is a solid playmaker, who has scored 30 career NHL game-winning goals. Mitch Marner continues to rock the house at Scotiabank Arena.
William Nylander – Maple Leafs RW 2015-Present
In nine seasons “Bill Nye” aka “Will Ny the Swedish Guy” aka William Nylander has proven he has what it takes to be recognized as one of the top wingers to wear a Maple Leafs jersey. Nylander averages 0.35 goals plus 0.51 assists per game in his career with Toronto. In the first half of the 2022-2023 season, 27-year-old Nylander is leading the team with 36 assists. Nylander currently holds 10th all-time for the Leafs by scoring 35 career game-winning goals.
Is William Nylander Going to be the Best Toronto Maple Leaf Wing in Team History?
Nylander compares to the ranks of some of the best in the team’s storied history. He is on track to becoming one of the best Maple Leafs wingers of all time. After earning his contract extension, it is time to go to work. With linemates like John Tavares plus power play opportunities alongside Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner, there is no doubt William Nylander is in a prime spot to light the lamp. More importantly than tallying up stats, the Maple Leafs need to focus on the ultimate prize and make a run for the NHL Playoffs.
Main Photo Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports
