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‘Spending Less Time In The Neutral Zone Waiting For The Puck,’ Maple Leafs Coach Jim Hiller On William Nylander’s Lack Of Defensive Responsibility

Toronto Maple Leafs star William Nylander is one of the NHL's great offensive players. But Nylander has a reputation for not being defensively committed, and Leafs coach Jim Hiller spoke out this week about Nylander's game. What do the Leafs…

The Hockey News

Published: Friday, 6 November 2026 at 4:36 PM

Key Things to Know

Maple Leafs coach Jim Hiller wants William Nylander to spend less time waiting in the neutral zone.
Nylander has recorded 10 goals and 21 points through 17 games this season.
Hiller stated Nylander needs to help Toronto's breakout by retrieving pucks deeper in the defensive zone.

The Story in 60 Seconds

Toronto Maple Leafs head coach Jim Hiller addressed forward William Nylander's defensive play, urging him to retrieve pucks from his own zone rather than waiting in the neutral zone. Despite Nylander producing 10 goals and 21 points across his first 17 games, Hiller noted that the winger has lacked breakout opportunities and needs greater activity in defensive coverage.

The Hockey News argues that while Nylander is enjoying a career-high 20:11 in average ice time, his defensive disengagement continues to draw criticism. Hiller seeks a tactical balance that preserves Nylander's elite scoring ability while encouraging deeper zone retrieval and two-way accountability.

Read the full article on The Hockey News