William Nylander breaks silence on injury that sidelined him during the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs
Leafs William Nylander had to miss some time during last season's playoff series versus the Bruins. He's now opened up about the reasons behind it.
Toronto Maple Leafs forward William Nylander sat out the first three games of the club's first-round playoff series with the Bruins de Boston
Boston Bruins despite playing all 82 regular season games. His disappearance was cloaked in a little bit of mystery because an explanation wasn't immediately given.
William Nylander finally came clean about his playoff disappearance. He blamed it on really bad migraines. He said the migraines were so bad, so intense, that he couldn't even see, which is why he had to sit out those three playoff games.
Have you done anything special about it?
"Yes, there are some things with my eyesight and things like that that I've looked at. But now it feels good."
You're not worried about the season?
"No, I'm not."
William Nylander returned for the last four games of the series and scored three goals. Unfortunately, Toronto eventually lost to Boston. After the series was over, Nylander came to the defense of his teammates as many were critical of the core group that includes Nylander, Auston Matthews, Mitch Marner, and John Tavares. According to Nylander, all the struggles in the playoffs by the team aren't because of the core four.
Nylander recently signed a massive eight-year contract extension worth $11.5 million per season, which will run through the 2031-32 campaign. There is a full no-movement clause attached to the deal, too, guaranteeing the Swedish winger is here to stay in Toronto for the long haul.
The Swede is coming off a career-high 40 goals and 58 assists for 98 points in 82 games last season. The eighth overall pick in the 2014 NHL Draft by Toronto, Nylander has developed into one of the Maple Leafs' most important players, and his new contract cements his status as a cornerstone of the team long term.
He, along with management and Leafs fans are all hopeful that the team can finally squash their playoff demons this season.
| POLL | ||
Will William Nylander lead his Leafs to a deep playoff run? | ||
| Yes | 110 | 70.1 % |
| No | 47 | 29.9 % |
| List of polls | ||
