On 14 February 2013, Nylander made his HockeyAllsvenskan debut. Playing alongside his father Michael Nylander with Södertälje SK, he earned an assist in his first professional game on a goal by Robert Carlsson.[2] Nylander closed out his 2013–14 season with a successful 22-game rookie stint in the Swedish Hockey League (SHL), where he would play as many as 20 minutes per night.[3] Ranked as a top prospect in the 2014 NHL Entry Draft, he was ultimately selected eighth overall by the Toronto Maple Leafs.[4][5] Nylander was highly praised for his offensive talent and puck-moving abilities; however, criticisms were drawn to his defensive game and then-small stature, measuring 5feet 9inches (175cm) tall and weighing 169 pounds (77kg; 12st 1lb) at the draft combine.[6]
Toronto Maple Leafs
After being drafted eighth overall, on 18 August 2014, Nylander was signed to a three-year, entry-level contract by the Maple Leafs.[7] Nylander began the season playing with MoDo Hockey of the SHL, tallying eight goals and 12 assists in 21 games, but on 12 January 2015, he was reassigned to the Maple Leafs' American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate, the Toronto Marlies, to further his development.[8] Nylander experienced a sensational campaign despite joining the AHL squad mid-season, scoring 32 points in 37 games playing on the right-wing. He was vital in helping the Marlies, who were at the bottom of the standings prior to Nylander joining, reach the 2015 Calder Cup playoffs. Although he left Modo Hockey after 21 games in the 2014–15 SHL season, Nylander was mentioned as a possible candidate for the SHL Rookie of the Year award.[9]
Nylander during the 2016 AHL All-Star skills competition
Nylander made his NHL debut on 29 February 2016, against the Tampa Bay Lightning at age 19.[10] He scored his first goal on 5 March 2016, against Andrew Hammond of the Ottawa Senators. His first NHL goal was assisted by Brooks Laich, who also assisted William's father Michael on his last NHL goal.[11]
The next season, Nylander made the Maple Leafs roster full-time. He debuted alongside Zach Hyman and Auston Matthews on 12 October 2016, in the season opener against the Ottawa Senators. Nylander quickly found chemistry with his linemates, helping Matthews set an NHL record for most goals scored in a rookie's debut with four by assisting on two of the goals. On 1 November, Nylander was named Rookie of the Month by the NHL for October.[12] He had recorded 11 points in nine games, which was good enough for second in league scoring and first among rookie players. After his hot start in October, Nylander struggled in November, scoring only five points in 13 games.[13] He had a nine-game goalless stretch between 27 October and 15 November.[13] Nylander recovered, scoring twice in three games, but then went on another scoreless stretch between 22 November and 22 December, a span of 13 games.[14] Nylander scored in back-to-back games to end the drought. He scored his first NHL career hat-trick on 4 February 2017, against the Boston Bruins.[15] Nylander's 61 points helped the Maple Leafs qualify for the 2017 Stanley Cup playoffs, where they were eliminated in six games by the Washington Capitals.[16]
During the 2017–18 season, Nylander was again placed on the top line with Matthews and Hyman.[17] Early in the season, Nylander went on an 11-game scoring drought, which ended in an overtime goal against the New Jersey Devils.[18] By scoring that goal, Nylander became only the second player in franchise history (the first being Miroslav Fryčer) to score the only goal of a regular season game in overtime.[18] He ended the regular season recording 61 points, the same as his rookie season. The Maple Leafs once again qualified for the playoffs, where they were eliminated in seven games of the first round by the Boston Bruins.[19] He recorded one goal and three assists during those seven games.
Nylander became a restricted free agent during the off-season. He went unsigned throughout the summer, seeking a long-term extension as opposed to a "bridge deal".[20] Nylander did not attend the team's training camp.[21] The Maple Leafs began the season without Nylander, as the two sides could not come to an agreement beforehand. As a restricted free agent, Nylander needed to sign before 1 December to be eligible to play during the 2018–19 season.[22] While away from the team, Nylander skated in Sweden and Austria. It was reported that he lost $30,000 in pay each day he remained unsigned.[23][24] It was later reported on 10 November, that the Maple Leafs were fielding offers for Nylander, just weeks before the 1 December deadline.[25] Just minutes before the deadline, Nylander agreed to a six-year, $45million contract.[26] Nylander was a healthy scratch for his first game back with the team, but made his season debut on 6 December, against the Detroit Red Wings.[27] He would struggle for the remainder of that season, scoring 27 points in 54 games.[28]
Nylander in 2024
Nylander's play markedly improved the following season, especially following the Maple Leafs' decision to replace Mike Babcock as head coach with Sheldon Keefe. When the NHL was suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Nylander had already set a career-high with 31 goals in 68 games, to go along with 28 assists.[28]
On 8 January 2024, Nylander was signed to an eight-year, $92 million contract extension by the Maple Leafs.[29] He was later named to the 2024 NHL All-Star Game, his first career NHL All-Star Game.[30]
Nylander made his senior team debut at the 2017 World Championship, where Sweden senior team won gold. He led his team in scoring with 14 points in 10 games and was named tournament MVP.[33]
Personal life
Nylander was born in Calgary while his father, Michael, was playing for the Calgary Flames. He is a dual citizen of Sweden and Canada.[31] He spent the majority of his youth in the United States where his father played for several NHL teams, spending the summers in Sweden.[34][35] His family later moved to Sweden when he was 14.
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↑ Johnston, Chris (16 November 2017). "Relief finally comes as Nylander ends scoring drought". sportsnet.ca. Retrieved 27 April 2018. Nylander finished his rookie season with 22 goals despite enduring stretches of nine and 13 games without one before December.
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