How long should William Nylander's 'grace period' be?

OverDrive hosts Bryan Hayes, Jeff O’Neill and Jennifer Hedger are joined by TSN Hockey analyst Ray Ferraro to get his take on how much longer William Nylander’s grace period for his return should be.

[@nicholasazak5653]

Typical TSN and Bryan blowing things out of proportion. Ray is the only one talking sense

[@jamescolyn5960]

No kidding. From the first few seconds, Bryan sounded like a moron. As with any star (possibly superstar) athlete, Nylander is getting paid to produce long term, and to be part of a strong, promising team that inevitably will have its ups and downs. To expect and to state that Nylander now "HAS TO" produce immediately, or be demoted, is just the babbling of an idiot who believes his implausible thoughts are reflections of the actual truth. They're not. They're nonsense. And anyway, who is this guy who believes he can determine a "grace period"? What a joke.

[@andrewlawlor3584]

@@dylan15243 Matthews was out for a month, Nylander has been out for 8 months so that is no even a comparison. In the game vs Boston Nylander was one of the better players, although the whole team played like crap so that is not say much. Yeah, the detroit game was rough but first game back. Also, note that Nylander has not been on ice for a single goal against us since he has been back. If anyone has watched our last 2 games and is seriously blaming Nylander then you're just hating to hate. Give him a few weeks and hopefully the ENTIRE TEAM can start playing well because they have all played like crap the last two games except for maybe 1 or 2 players.

[@andrewlawlor3584]

Dylan Watts Against Boston only 4 players didn’t allow a goal while on ice and that is Nylander, Kadri, Johansson and Kapanen. He played 16 minutes against Boston, that’s a good amount of time. He’s line was easily our best line. Regardless of who he was up against ever other line got scored on so clearly he did alright. Look I’m not saying he doesn’t need to play better, because he does, but for just his second game back he played well considering how bad our team was. Also, don’t compare 8 months to skating by yourself and sometimes with what amounts to a Sweden ahl team to being here and practicing and playing in games. It’s not even close to the same level. He will get better but give him a few weeks before you through that 6.9 mil in his face. Also, if we wanted to we could easily trade him with that contract so it’s not a big deal at all. He will either play well and make us better or we could trade him and that would make us better so either way we win 👌

[@lolitsaustin4932]

Dylan Watts you talk out of your ass, No brain. Your a fucking idiot.

[@y3ee3e]

Ray is right here. But willy sucks. No more excuses

[@sportsfan_913]

Damn Ray. Went a little savage there lol. He's TSNs best analyst. Easy.

[@MQA-hc1gt]

I still got love for Bob McKenzie but Ray is a close 2nd imo

[@ktowniecity7269]

Bob has turned into caricature now. Same old cliches. Pierre Lebrun is by far their best insider

[@ForNarniamon]

Ray with the big roasts

[@gordonbgraham]

Ray, bang on as usual

[@T2P661]

Ray is the man

[@NESADDICT]

Ray taking no prisoners! Got him!

[@bapjap]

NES ADDICT Bryan is such a loser. He was training with a junior team and he automatically assumes ‘sure! Just put him out there!’ What an absolute knob.

[@sturdy8936]

“This is much more difficult than hosting a radio show...” the fact that he even had to say that shows how ignorant this host is! Also savage af lol

[@lockandload8205]

Ethan Taylor and to kick a dog when it's down, Ray has been on the Show Several times!!! lol " GO LEAFS GO

[@conorpierce1669]

Ray absolutely murdered Brian

[@markyramone120]

I was completely against the around-the-clock nylander updates but hearing these nerds panic about nylander’s lack of performance is the quality content i’m looking for.

[@lardass9532]

This is the difference between the media and actual Leafs fans, us fans don't really care that much about his first two games being kinda meh but the media treats it like the worst thing to ever happen in sports history.

[@Scionofgreyhaven]

Bryan just EXPOSED himself as one of those idiot fans he was talking about a month ago..."I think there might be some Boos if Nylander does sign" or "He will be the most hated leaf of all time if he gets traded" LOL. Listen to Ray this time dude, He actually played the game and knows what hes talking about

[@Takhar7]

There were some boos at Nylander's 1st game back. Bryan was right

[@nickkonarowski7977]

So did Bryan. Not agreeing with his take, but he did play in the OHL and Junior A

[@gordonbgraham]

@@LeoBond 400 goals and he's been at ice level analysing hockey for the past 10 years. I'd say that qualifies him as being someone who "knows what he's talking about". Who the fuck are you?

[@Mrdevs96]

dont get on Ferraros bad side 😎

[@dankiusmemeiusmaximustheth1648]

ray straight savaged bryan

[@AG-er5vmTG]

Ray roasted his ass. These radio hosts are delusional 😂😫

[@zigfield723]

Well that was awkward ..

[@ryanharper5880]

Though I do not mirror the opinion of Bryan, I do think that his rhetoric represents the viewpoint shared by a large portion of fans. Yes, his opinion was unfair and uninformed, but man, did it ever allow for Ray to show his mettle! Love Ferraro; great mind, and utterly well spoken!

[@WoodenFloorsRock]

couldn't agree more

[@moriellymoproblems7842]

A large portion are also casuals and bandwagoners, so let's not pretend Bryan's views represent a large portion of long time fans who know what they're talking about.

[@AM-li2if]

2 games in and TSN already wants nylanders head. What's their deal with this guy holy shit.

[@michaelm4933]

i agree totally but....He should have been in camp and negotiated in good faith..playing not sitting.

[@AM-li2if]

@@nibbleondeeznuts2244 Matthews has been shit, Marleau has been shit, Kadri has been shit. Why is it only Nylander that gets scrutinized?

[@arsenalcanada]

Ray one of my fav hockey commentators/analysts. Got quite aggresive here tho haha

[@winston7556]

Jennifer Hedger's glance over at O'Neill at 2:08 is priceless hahahahah

[@MQA-hc1gt]

Has tubby with the Buzz cut ever played professional hockey? 2 day grace period lmfao Well done Ray, well done.

[@damnhockey]

Agree with Ray, it will time to get into game shape. No amount of bike will replace real NHL level hockey. He should be good by 2 weeks

[@nathantownsend317]

Ray ain’t fooling around here and he’s speaking all facts

[@dermatze2309]

Put ´em in his place, Ray! Loved every second of it!

[@stoicvibesonly]

Don't know whether to Thumbs down for Bryan, or Thumbs up for Ray

[@poisonoaks4563]

Good for ray this Bryan guy has no clue about the game anyone with half a sense wouldn't be saying what he says

[@jackcolomvakos3338]

How do these people have jobs in hockey? Talking about a star player playing in the ahl? Lol

[@markvonschober6872]

Jack Colomvakos two 20 goal seasons is hardly a star

[@TBTHEONE]

these people are literally braindead

[@MQA-hc1gt]

@@markvonschober6872 That's where actually WATCHING Nylander play would benefit in formulating an opinion. He's not what you'd call a "pure goal scorer". How about going down the list of NHL players in the league who had back to back 60 point seasons in their rookie and sophomore year. The VAST majority of them are what you would call star players or at the very least 1st line players.

[@BEATGIANTSENT]

Bryan Hayes' feelings were hurt 1:53 . lmao, tell em Ray

[@1dominator]

Ray Ferraro is the only voice of reason here! Why isn't Jeff saying anything. This is professional sports, it takes time to be yourself and fit in with your team.

[@hillsidebliss]

People are really underestimating the time it takes to get into game shape, and play the way the team plays. Give Willy 2 weeks and he’ll be at full fitness. Two games and a practice and you expect him to score a double Hatty. Unbelievable cluelessness.

[@tjangrove9277]

Their job is to talk about all of these variables, that's how you keep a radio show going 3 hours a day, 5 days a week, people take what analysts and hosts say way too literal. These comments and ideas are what fans talk about/think about also.

[@aberamagold7509]

Great point

[@fredrik7355]

”send him to the marlies” is this guy for real?!😅

[@lolitsaustin4932]

Fredrik Björling literally tsn is fucked. Even the chick said it. What do people not get? Only players with Two way contracts can be sent down. Nylander has a one way..people just talk out their ass lately

[@bapjap]

Lmao when Bryan said that, Ray had to drop the hammer down!

[@lockandload8205]

You tell em Ray! You've been there and done it, how some of these guy's work for TSN and just don't get it, is beyond me. " GO LEAFS GO

[@CanadianLoveKnot]

Omg Bryan, just stop. This whole panel is just embarrassing. Ray the only one talking sense.

[@Ruuku1]

aaaaaaaaaaaand this radio show just killed itself lol

[@bigbullhorn8443]

LUV IT RAY!!!!! Give him 3 weeks

[@Islanders83]

So the rest of the league is almost at mid season form, but nylander should be all caught up after 1-2 practices? Ok, go play your video games, you Bender.

[@Retzerr41]

thanks for JT old man

[@methais8796]

I love how people that have never played the game think they know how long it takes to get back in

[@Kevin-cn9ce]

jeff oneill and ray ferraro played 12 seasons and 17 seasons in the NHL respectively. They definitely know more than you.

[@methais8796]

Kevin Schmidt yeah i agree with ray, im talking about the comments

[@dlcarrocce5687]

Really this all could've been solved if Toronto just agreed to that deal back in September

[@scarecrow00]

i was thinkin about this earlier. i thought about 2-3 weeks give or take 10 games. gives him time to get some practices in and find his legs and chemistry with his line mates

[@ianf9253]

Great job Ray-thank you for your common sense.

[@nothingstands]

it should just be ray talking to jeff

[@APisceanSlant]

I thought Hayes was throwing out some steaming hot takes--which contradict what he was saying about Nylander's return, back on Dec 1st--and Ray not so subtly called him out. Awkward, and compelling radio all at the same time

[@DRichards705]

Ray Ferraro was awesome in this. "You sounded like a fanboy just now". LMFAO!

[@jacobalbrechtas1725]

Are these people serious?

[@paulc8278]

This is the same guy who said to boo Nylander when he returned

[@DannyboiTO]

They admit Matthews didn't look fully like himself yet after missing a month, while having a pre-season and started the regular season, but Nylander's grace period should be over in 2 games and 2 practices? And yeah, fantastic idea, you want to acclimatize a guy to the NHL pace and timing, get him familiar with the sets and what's expected of him so your idea is to remove him from that environment and put him in one that's slower? Some backwords thinking from Bryan and Jenn on this one, Ray probably didn't have to go so hard, but he's not wrong. I even think 2 weeks is a bit quick to expect him to be going fully. The Leafs have allowed 11 goals since Willy's gotten back, he's been on the ice for 0 of them. You guys suck lol.

[@omisbelfour20]

Nylander is going to be 2 months behind everyone else as far as game shape and conditioning goes. Expecting him to be good to go after 2 games is just stupid. Im glad Ray said something about that. I've already given William a 1 month grace period, that includes the 2 weeks informal team skating that players do and the two weeks of training camp before the season starts.

[@THIS---GUY]

Perhaps 2 months fresher come playoffs

[@omisbelfour20]

@@THIS---GUY I hope so!

[@auwidardthe7331]

Wow, send him to the minors ???

[@Mike-ls8et]

Yeah cause 10pts in 5 games is a clear slump for Matthews... does this guy even watch the games? 2goals 1 assist n his return against the Sharks, a goal against the Wild, 2 goals and 1 assist including the GWG in OT against Buffalo, an assist against Detroit and another goal and assist against the Bruins... I guess Matthews just aint himself since returning. Off his 2.3pts ppg down to 1.6... Bryan forget to watch hockey last week again?

[@lavis88]

Jesus, how many lines of coke did Ray do before he went on-air?

[@JaziB]

Not enough!

[@rene6608]

Heated discussion lol

[@jesskoffman]

As a professional, I think he should have arrived in good shape. Exhibition games and practice should equal his work in Sweden and Austria. He should have seeked contact games and trained hard. Just another game or two to get his competitiveness and wind up is all he should need if he did it right while negotiating.

[@Dumontjon]

He is in great shape. You cannot mimic the speed and pace of the nhl by training. You obviously know nothing about hockey if you think he should have played contact games in Sweden. He was a restricted free agent, hes not allowed to play anywhere else.

[@woosteppa7017]

This has to be one of the stupidest things Bryan Hayes has ever said. It’s been 2 games, stop acting like a 5 year old.

[@bubbles3161]

It's all building up to the playoffs . Nylander will be in shape and ready to go when he's needed .

[@danielkarlsson258]

All the wrong questions...are they serious reporters?

[@jayjayson9613]

So glad Ray put that dude in his place. I hate these so called "experts" who never played the game pretend like they know more than former NHL players.

[@barry831]

Leafs have been scored on 11 times since Nylander returned. Nylander hasn’t been on the ice for even one of them...

[@Shopgirl2731]

Check last years season in the beginning season and then check how he played in December. Some new players, it’s not smooth yet but once they all get in the groove we’ll all be laughing. Nylander has his own pressure on himself. Never mind everyone else.

[@madisonbonderud6651]

Roaster Ray

[@onlinecitizen3266]

As long as they're winning no one is going to crack too hard on him. Just hope Nylander plays up to his potential again soon

[@timluther5171]

I honestly would have been good with them putting him on the Marlies till he's up to speed. It's not like the team was doing bad without him after all.

[@OwenRona]

Hmmm ... I’m pretty sure that if Leafs sent Nylander to AHL on his contract then all other teams would claim him through waivers in no time ... losing him for absolutely nothing. Or am I wrong?

[@righteoussmoke5252]

Both the games Nylander was in wasn’t his fault, and also out of all the goals that were scored in those games Nylander wasn’t even on the ice. And he almost got an assist on the 2nd unit power play he’s a plus player in his two games

[@righteoussmoke5252]

Well nvm you can’t get a plus or minus on the power play or short handed but still. He still hasn’t been the cause to any of the oppositions goals. The kid will get better. So enough of the William Nylander stuff he’s a leaf now and he will be playing like himself soon.

[@MJFSniper81]

God, I love hearing Ray Ferraro whenever he talks. Always bang on this is why I prefer TSN over Sportsnet their analysts actually know their stuff. (Minus David Amber, Elliot Friedman and Chris Johnston) I enjoy them as well.

[@BigH0mie89]

It’s going to take time. No training camp, and no preseason. He needs some time. Also agree with Ray, as bad as the team was on Saturday, he did actually play better then his first game.

[@iamrhockey]

Oh shit is this how this show always is? I might start watching lol

[@jl941-]

For the most part spitting chiclets is 300xbetter

[@grantchow13]

Regardless of how he is playing now, how do you justify paying someone $6 million a season based on 2 - 61 point seasons prior ?

[@19shale]

Yeah give him time to adjust. He hasn’t even really practiced

[@chrisbenoit3822]

Of course Nylander isn’t going to immediately start netting points every game, he’s had a few practices and a few games, unlike at the start of the season when some players need training camp, preseason, and 15+ games before they’re in season form. Nylander is still playing better then anyone who would take his spot that’s why you don’t send him down, because he makes your team better regardless of his instant level of play coming off his offseason.

[@usranger13]

Ray's comments aged really well...

[@laurendiehl2216]

Perspective Man. The difference a day makes.

[@batt7945]

Isn’t this on the club for holding out? The Toronto maple leafs didn’t want to sign quick because of cap issues and it’s there own fault. Leafs fan but I hope he gets 5 goals and keeps growing his hair

[@caedus93]

Whole team stunk on Saturday, Tavares ine got pancaked and these idiots are beating the Nylander drum for some reason.

[@hockeyislife4122]

caedus93 Grace period is up

[@josepharte]

Ray Ferraro proving constantly why he's one of the best in the business!

[@hockeyalley1]

Mario Lemieux retired for few years and came back 2003 and was the beast.

[@Dumontjon]

The game is played differently now. Most players don't make it past their early 30's in today's nhl. It's a young man's game now and the pace of the game has never been faster.

[@peterlue9274]

It would take me 2 months to get up to full speed. 2 weeks before I stopped embarrassing myself.

[@kentatomeoki4209]

Ray. I salute you.

[@trytocontrollhim]

The big question is... should you like the video cuz of Ray or dislike it cuz the reporters suck?

[@CallaLily2818]

Lord, I love Ray Ferraro.

[@HomerJLeafs]

Longer than 2 games. Jerks.

[@cole2778]

It’s December...

[@browny3551]

Atta way Ray!!!

[@deonal]

Sports journalists or any kind of journailst are a dime a dozen, premiere athletes on the other hand are execptional human beings.

[@imperialaggron]

Oh my fucking god can you PLEASE give it a rest

[@colinsushiboy745]

He just signed a contract lol. What are you going to do...buy him out?

[@OutlookJonas]

The way Brian thinks is baffling.

[@poohpush]

dude this bryan guy is awesome!!

[@nickgentile4008]

Wait is nylander waiver exempt if not they send him down he would be taken in a second

[@dghvdhfhhb6405]

Nick Gentile He could go on a conditioning stint is what the dude was saying for 2 weeks

[@YoursTrulyH]

OKAY RAYYYY BIG GUYYYYYY

[@GinV74]

Get owned Bryan 🤣 u tried to come back at ray with that child sized response and got spit roasted

[@hockeygoal101]

I fucking love Ray Ferraro

[@stuartgreig4907]

Are these flogs serious? Send him down to the minors is a terrible idea, Ray owned their asses here

[@ettrickdoo7287]

Stupid questions is the norm for MSM types ... it is in the job description. Cause chaos and create click-bait titles ... come on ... way to go Ray ... only guy speaking sense.

[@meowza]

Now that Nylander is signed, we won't have to hear about him every d...

[@14macktactoe141]

as long as hes back for playoffs

[@chaosloc]

And we are all still talking about Nylander.

[@dougsmyth6403]

I agree with Ray

[@a.y.8294]

Fuck yes ray this was fucking awesome

[@DaveJones-ul5cx]

Shows up with 2 assists and looks dominant versus the Hurricanes last night. It isn't even like he's played bad since he's been back.. just looks a little rusty. Total fanboy stuff here. Thank fuck Ray was there to talk some sense.

[@tranan661]

For real! How about to listen to Ray what he is saying! Give the kid a break!

[@mattmaroney]

Question is fair, but the way it's presented is insane. Calm yourself. I thought he looked pretty good the last half of the game against the Bruins.

[@NoLoVeLoStNoLoVfOuNd]

Trade him to the wings for Mantha if do it.

[@fuckjewtube69]

Lol all the people saying this guy got owned. It's been well over 2 weeks now and Nylander hasn't done fuck all. He signed his contract he doesn't give a fuck anymore.