REPORT: William Nylander has a nickname for new teammate that is making people MAD

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Ryan
April 2, 2023 (1:50 PM)

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At the 2023 National Hockey League trade deadline, there was no General Manager more busy than Kyle Dubas. He brought in some big names like Ryan O'Reilly & Jake McCabe, and also some role players like Sam Lafferty, Luke Schenn & Erik Gustaffson.

One of the trades he made that didn't really make headlines was his trade with the Calgary Flames, sending Dryden Hunt to Calgary in exchange for Radim Zohorna.

The 26 year old Zohorna went undrafted in the NHL, stands at 6'06 and weighs in at 220lbs. He made his Maple Leafs debut last night, and after the game, William Nylander shared his new teammates nickname:

William Nylander says he's calling Zohorna 'Big Z'.

Also. Big Z got the belt tonight.

William Nylander says he's calling Zohorna «Big Z».

Also. Big Z got the belt tonight.� David Alter (@dalter) April 2, 2023

While this doesn't seem like a big deal, it's not something offensive or derogatory, but what is upsetting fans is the NHL has already had a Big Z and the future hall of famer should not be sharing his nickname.

While Zdeno Chara, who is one of the nicest guys would probably happily welcome someone having his nickname, it feels disrespectful to many fans hearing someone else have the long-time NHLer's nickname, fresh into his retirement. Especially when it's the Maple Leafs using it.

Chara is the only Big Z— Scottie2hottie (@sgesualdi) April 2, 2023

We all know who the real big Z is #zdenochara— becca cox (@beckscox) April 2, 2023

Excuse me? The name Big Z is retired. Why don't they just start calling Matthews �the great one' and Marner �Mr Hockey' while we're at it 🙄 pic.twitter.com/fjhfqT5Sda— Matt (@FullMessier) April 2, 2023