How William Nylander has found another, higher level for the Maple Leafs

I’m not talking about the best player he’s ever had for most of his career.
You don’t even get an 80 point star in a 40 goal campaign.
This Nylander looks better.
Earlier this season, Nylander looked like the Toronto Maple Leafs’ best and, frankly, most talented player, scoring in all nine games (a new Leafs record to start a season).
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In fact, he appears to have outperformed a team-high 13 points (on pace for 118 points) in 9 games.

But how did he find that new level (beyond the obvious fact that this is a contract year)?
Have there been any changes or improvements to his game?
Are there improved technologies and tools available?
Or have you changed your style or approach to get better results?
Are the results good because the input is consistent?
Or is it a warm start with the average dropping to 80?

To answer those questions, I’ve reviewed every inning Nylander has played in nine games and analyzed tape and data to see if I can determine if (and if so, how) Nylander found his best draft to date now.
Conclusion: Yes.

Here it is.
DATA

Before we dive into the boxes, I think it’s important to look at the data for strong and warning signs.

No wonder there are almost only green flags.
Not only are Nylander’s on-base numbers and stock strong, but he’s also been statistically stronger than Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner in recent seasons with the Leafs.