Let’s cut right to the chase: you’re here because you want to know what to expect from William Nylander in the 2025-26 NHL season, and we’re here to tell you that a new level of production is on the horizon. After a stellar campaign that saw him pot 45 goals, many in the fantasy hockey world are wondering if he can replicate that performance. We’re here to tell you he won’t just replicate it; he’s primed to surpass it.
The dynamic winger has always possessed elite skill, but last season’s goal-scoring outburst was a significant step forward. Now, entering the heart of his prime and locked in with the Toronto Maple Leafs’ core, the conditions are ripe for Nylander to not just maintain his status as a top-tier fantasy asset but to ascend into the league’s upper echelon of point producers. The key to unlocking this next level? It lies within the man advantage and a subtle shift in his on-ice responsibilities. We’re projecting a career-high in points for Nylander this coming season, and the breakdown might surprise you.
Analyzing Nylander’s Fantasy Hockey Outlook
The 2024-25 season was a statement year for William Nylander, proving he can be a consistent goal-scoring threat. His 45 goals were a testament to his lethal wrist shot and his ability to find open ice. However, with 39 assists, there’s still room for growth in his playmaking, especially with the offensive weapons at his disposal.
For the 2025-26 season, we’re projecting a slight regression in goals but a significant uptick in assists, leading to a higher overall point total. Expect Nylander to finish the season with 42 goals and 51 assists for 93 points. This projection is based on several factors. Firstly, Nylander’s shooting percentage from last season, while high, is sustainable for a player of his caliber. Secondly, and more importantly, is his role on the top power-play unit.
Power Play Production is Key
The Toronto Maple Leafs’ power play is a force to be reckoned with, and Nylander is a central figure. Playing alongside Auston Matthews, who commands significant defensive attention, opens up passing lanes for Nylander. With John Tavares providing a net-front presence and Matthew Knies continuing to develop, the opportunities for high-danger assists will be plentiful. Morgan Rielly’s elite puck-moving ability from the blue line further enhances this unit’s potency. A healthy and cohesive power play for the majority of the season should see Nylander’s power-play points increase, with a significant portion of those being assists. We’re anticipating at least 35 of his projected 93 points to come with the man advantage. For fantasy owners, this provides a stable and high-upside source of production.
While some may be hesitant to predict an increase in points after a career year and the departure of Mitch Marner to the Vegas Golden Knights, the underlying metrics and team structure support this optimistic outlook. Nylander’s ice time has steadily increased, and he’s entrusted with more responsibility in all situations. As long as he remains a fixture in the top-six and on the top power-play unit, the sky is the limit for his offensive output. He’s a must-target in all fantasy formats and has the potential to be a league-winner in the 2025-26 season.
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The post William Nylander Point Projections 2025-26: Is a Career Year on the Horizon? appeared first on NHL Trade Rumors.