The precarious relationship between Toronto Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube and star William Nylander has taken another turn. The two key figures were recently seen having an animated conversation during a matchup with the Columbus Blue Jackets on November 26.
Nylander would eventually go on to provide an assist and then score the game-winning goal in overtime on the night. After the victory, the star played down the tense exchange in an interview with Sportsnet’s Shawn McKenzie. Despite the postgame comments, this is not the first time that the coach and player have had public differences. Berube previously called out Nylander after a loss in October.
A rift between a star player and his head coach is nothing new. Nevertheless, this situation, according to Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman, appears to be a bit different. “This is unusual. This is a lot,” the NHL insider said of the relationship on his November 28 podcast.
“I think it’s really fascinating because Nylander, in the middle of a really horrible start for Toronto, has delivered… You can make a real argument that he’s kept them afloat. And part of me wonders if Berube is going after him because he knows that this is his best player, and he feels he can take it.”
Maple Leafs Previously Made Amazon Delete Feud Between William Nylander and Former Coach
GettyWilliam Nylander’s attitude has reportedly frustrated Maple Leafs execs throughout his career.
Nylander has been somewhat of a polarizing figure throughout his career with the Leafs. On one hand, the forward is incredibly skilled and widely regarded as one of the better players in the NHL. He has racked up 643 points in 705 games with Toronto.
His attitude, however, has seemingly rubbed some Toronto execs the wrong way over the years. In fact, Friedman has revealed that former Leafs head coach Sheldon Keefe used to go after Nylander more than any other player on the team.
The situation between Keefe and Nylander was even supposed to be highlighted on Toronto’s previous All or Nothing series on Amazon. According to Friedman, a major argument between the coach and player was filmed by Amazon’s crew. However, the team, Nylander’s agent, and the NHLPA all essentially forced Amazon to remove the footage because it made the star look bad.
Friedman ended the conversation regarding the situation by questioning what would happen next in Toronto. “Just watching this, I wonder where it’s going,” continued Friedman. “Because it’s boiling over at a very frustrating time for the team.”
Nylander Missed a Recent Maple Leafs Practice
Tense relationships between a star player and coach typically receive more attention when the team is underperforming. The Leafs have struggled with injuries to start the 2025-26 season and currently find themselves in seventh place in the Atlantic Division.
Nevertheless, Nylander is certainly doing his part on the ice to help save Toronto’s season. With superstar center Auston Matthews missing several games, Nylander has stepped up to lead the team with 31 points in 20 games. This impressive figure includes grabbing at least a point in all but two matches in which he has featured this year.
Leafs fans held their breath after Nylander was not seen on the ice for the team’s practice on November 27. Berube, however, calmed the situation by claiming that the winger only missed the session due to maintenance. Nylander is expected to be fit and healthy to face the Washington Capitals on November 28.
Maple Leafs Star-Coach Relationship ‘Boiling Over,’ says Expert