Maple Leafs star winger William Nylander is playing nearly two minutes less per game than he did last season. But all players understand that playing time is always the best motivator.

That might help to explain not only Nylander’s frustration with his playing time one month into the season, but also his willingness to voice that frustration to head coach Craig Berube – publicly and privately. The Leafs agreed to pay Nylander like one of the top players (and forwards) in the world. He wants to be played like it.