William Nylander says he's ready to become one of the NHL's dominant players this season.

"I'm looking forward to this season to dominate," the Toronto Maple Leafs forward said. "I very much believe in myself and I know what I'm capable of, so I'm not really worried about proving anything. I'm ready to take that next step.

"This season I'm excited to show I'm a dominant player in the NHL. That's what I've worked towards every summer. This summer hasn't been different. Working towards becoming a better player every time."

Nylander also said the Maple Leafs, who have been eliminated from the Eastern Conference First Round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs in each of the past three seasons, are ready to take the next step.

"We're the only ones who can stop ourselves," he said. "I feel like we as a team are ready to take a step in the next direction."