William Nylander names what he sees as Toronto's biggest problem before Canadiens showdown

William Nylander says the Maple Leafs' biggest problem is communication, not their defense or goaltending, ahead of Saturday's game against Montreal.

The Leafs are 8-7-2 and sit 6th in the Atlantic Division after Tuesday's 3-2 loss to the Utah Mammoth. Nylander has done his part, with 21 points in 17 games.

He still isn't satisfied, and he showed it when he spoke to the media on Wednesday. Asked what needs fixing, he pointed at the way the group handles it when a play falls apart.

"I think just getting a little bit sorted," Nylander said. "You know, sometimes when the system breaks down, just to sort it out a little bit, talk a little bit more."

It's the second time this week he's been frank. He had already said something is off with his own game, specifically that he isn't getting the puck enough.

Jim Hiller had a ready answer to that one. The coach explained that the puck issue comes from Nylander not getting back into the defensive zone quickly enough.

Most people looking at Toronto see the goalie and the blue line first, and the Leafs have lost some winnable games because of both. Nylander is looking at what happens before the puck gets there.

Why communication may not be the whole story

Talking more won't hurt, but a team that has given up 56 goals in 17 games has more going on than a few missed conversations. Breakdowns lead to chances, and chances still have to be stopped by someone.

Still, a 30-year-old forward with 10 goals and 11 assists isn't dodging blame. He's naming a fixable problem, and it matches what Hiller has been telling him publicly about defensive habits.

Fixable doesn't mean fast. Nobody expects it to be solved overnight, and the schedule gives the Leafs little time to work on it.

Montreal arrives Saturday at 10-3-3, 6th in the NHL and 2nd in the Atlantic. Toronto is 17th.

The New Jersey Devils follow on Sunday. Two games against teams that value structure will show quickly whether the talking is working.

Quick hits

UTAH MAMMOTH: The Mammoth have placed Kailer Yamamoto on injured reserve, according to NHL Rosters. Utah will have to shuffle the lineup after that move.

-

LOS ANGELES KINGS: Zach Dooley reports Peter Laviolette says Alex Turcotte has progressed back to "day-to-day," with Kevin Fiala not far behind. Good news for a Kings group that wants bodies back.

-

NASHVILLE PREDATORS: Greg Wyshynski says it's time to show the Predators respect in the new ESPN NHL Power Rankings. Nashville fans have waited a while for that.

-

NEW YORK ISLANDERS: The Islanders confirmed Saturday is Military Appreciation Night, with Mitchell Chaffee's wife, Courtney, in the spotlight before the Devils visit. A nice moment ahead of a big divisional-style test.

-

TRADE BUZZ: Pierre LeBrun reports other teams believe the Red Wings could land a better Dylan Larkin trade with clubs outside his 10-team list. The Bruins are on that radar.

-

Also read on Markerzone.com:
Three teams are waiting for Detroit's call, and Larkin's list could decide everything