Is It Time for Matthews, Nylander & Whoever on the Right?

If the Maple Leafs are serious about taking that next step, the simplest move might be the most obvious one. It might be time to put William Nylander back on Auston Matthews’ left wing full time. That chemistry has already worked. In fact, Matthews and Nylander have a real track record together.

During Jim Hiller’s early seasons with Toronto, they were basically glued at 5-on-5. They played more minutes than just about anyone else besides Zach Hyman. And it wasn’t only that they played together. It was that they actually looked like they controlled the games when they were on the ice. Outscoring opponents 76-47 together is the kind of stat that makes you wonder why you ever try to mess with it.

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Matthews and Nylander Have a History of Dominating

The interesting part is what happened last season when they tried to mix and match. When Matthews and Nylander weren’t consistently together, the rest of the forward group struggled to generate consistent offence. The Maple Leafs didn’t exactly get a ton of success with separate lines. So the question becomes: why not keep the best combo together more often, tilt the ice their way, and let the rest of the lineup play around that?

If Matthews and Nylander are basically going to earn nearly $25 million next season, it’s logical to expect them to be treated like the team’s engine more than ever.

Getting Matthews and Nylander Back to Being Offensive Players Helps

I keep coming back to one thought. If the Maple Leafs really are better defensively and more stable in goal, that’s going to free Matthews and Nylander to do what they do best. They won’t have to force plays or feel like every mistake ends up in their own net. They can attack. And if Toronto commits to keeping those two together, that line has a chance to become one of the most dangerous combinations in the NHL.

And the right-side question matters, too. Matthews has always been at his best when his right winger can finish, make plays, and keep defences honest. Who fits there in this version of the Maple Leafs? Honestly, I have to wonder if Jack Roslovic might’ve been exactly the kind of piece Toronto was looking for. It’s not that he’s a guaranteed “top-line monster.” But he’s the sort of winger who can play with speed, make smart reads, and give a center a real right-side partner.

The Maple Leafs still haven’t really settled on a proven top-six right winger this offseason. So maybe reuniting Matthews with someone who’s built to produce could be the missing piece of the puzzle. Plus, he and Roslovic have a history of playing together and were good at it.

Matthews and Nylander United Might Set Up the Rest of the Offence

All that said, the Matthews–Nylander pairing is the foundation. But the right-side fit is the final touch. If Toronto gets that third piece right, with Nylander driving the left side, Matthews could return to the 60-goal form we saw just a couple of seasons ago.

Given the Maple Leafs’ reluctance to chase another established top-six right winger, it seems increasingly likely that Jack Roslovic gets the first opportunity. If Nylander stays on Matthews’ left side, Roslovic might prove to be the complementary piece Toronto believed it was signing all along.

Related: Boudreau’s Blunt Warning: Maple Leafs’ Overhauled Roster Still Flawed