William Nylander Continues to Shine in NHL and International Competitions

CALGARY, Alberta — William Nylander, the dynamic forward from the Toronto Maple Leafs, is making waves both in the NHL and at international tournaments. Born on May 1, 1996, Nylander has carved a path in professional hockey, showcasing his talent since his early days in Calgary.

Nylander’s hockey journey began with Team Maryland‘s U13 team in the 2008-09 season, where he recorded 25 goals and 26 assists in 28 games. He then moved to the Chicago Mission’s 14U team and excelled, contributing 34 goals and 27 assists in 29 games during the 2010-11 season. His skills eventually led him to Sweden, where he played for Sodertalje, and later joined Modo.

His standout season in Sweden came in 2012-13 when he netted 15 goals and added 28 assists in just 27 games. Nylander’s career transitioned to the North American league when he was selected eighth overall by the Toronto Maple Leafs in the 2014 NHL Draft, signing a three-year, entry-level contract.

During the 2014-15 season, Nylander showcased his talent in the American Hockey League with the Toronto Marlies, where he scored 14 goals and tallied 18 assists in 37 games. He made his much-anticipated NHL debut on February 29, 2016, against the Tampa Bay Lightning, logging 18:41 of ice time and taking two shots on goal.

Nylander quickly made his mark in the NHL, scoring his first goal on March 5, 2016, and finishing his rookie season with six goals. As of February 14, 2025, he has recorded 250 goals and 333 assists across 658 regular-season games, establishing himself as a key player for the Maple Leafs.

His talent has not gone unnoticed, as Nylander is a two-time NHL All-Star. Recently, he signed a lucrative eight-year, $92 million contract with the Maple Leafs on January 8, 2024. Nylander has also performed admirably in the playoffs, collecting 43 points in 54 career postseason games.

In addition to his NHL success, Nylander is competing at the 2025 Four Nations Face-Off, where international teams strive for supremacy. Expectations are high for him as Sweden faces off against rivals Finland and the United States, with fans eager to see how he will utilize his skills on the international stage.

Nylander’s latest appearances have generated excitement within the hockey community, reinforcing his reputation as one of the most talented forwards in the game today. As he continues to navigate his hockey career, both his NHL performance and international contributions remain pivotal to his legacy.