I'm still not worried about Nylander. I don't like his treatment, and I don't quite like his response to that treatment, but I'm not worried. I'd bet that within a month, Nylander is back on the top line looking more like himself, and producing accordingly.
The only difference from last year is that Nylander then showed a determination that hasn't quite been there this year. Getting a wake up call was what spurred him to become one of our most consistent players. This year it's made him doubt himself.
the problem is last year Nylander didn't know every time he hits a bit of a slump he get jolted around the lineup. I think the leash is far too short with Nylander and far too long with others, kid was playing well then the whole line slumps Matthews and hyman included and he heads for the 4th line then while Matthews and hyman + brown are struggling he doesn't get to go back. Babcock is beating the talent out of him he hasn't got the confidence to make plays. An example Marner tries behind the back blind passes quite a bit with a success rate of about 20% Nylander wouldn't dare try a play like that as often because it will get him a one way trip to the 4th line. Also sitting him in the last 5 mins of a game while playing Bozak, JVR and marner still is mind boggling sit all 4 defensive liabilities or none