Erik Karlsson Had a Priceless Reaction When Told William Nylander Was Playing

William Nylander was ruled active for the Toronto Maple Leafs after missing the last two games for Toronto, and three of the last four, out of the lineup with a lower-body injury.

In response to hearing that Nylander would be active for Pittsburgh, Penguins defenseman and fellow Swede Erik Karlsson had just two words on the Leafs forwards return.

Karlsson made sure to add that Nylander is «a very good player» giving respect to his fellow Swedish compatriot ahead of tonight's game between the two clubs. Nylander himself says he is «good to go» tonight.

Nylander was confirmed for tonight's game against the Pittsburgh Penguins, back down on the Leafs second line with Easton Cowan and John Tavares, as Nick Robertson gets another look on the top line with Auston Matthews.

Both of the two have been top players from Sweden over the last decade, the two had not played together internationally for the Swedish national team until the Four Nations in which both suited up for their home country.

Nylander and Karlsson could get their first international test together as part of the Swedish Olympic Ice Hockey team in 2026, with Nylander already named to the roster and Karlsson likely to be on the blueline.

Karlsson has a clear familiarity on the ice with Nylander having seen him frequently while a member of the rival Ottawa Senators, having won two Norris Trophies as the league's best defenseman in that time.

Pittsburgh is not the easiest opponent for Nylander, who has just nine goals and 15 points in 22 games against the Penguins in his career, but in the 2020's has 14 points in 14 games.

Despite having missed the past few games with injury, Nylander is still fifth in assists in the NHL with 12, also having three goals on the season for 15 points.

Nylander's return to the lineup will be a boost for a Leafs offense that has quietly reignited their scoring touch without him in the lineup, giving Leafs fans the team projected for game one.