Maple Leafs News: William Nylander Addresses Media... Sort of

Once again, William Nylander was a full participant at Toronto Maple Leafs practice on Friday, but after sitting out the first three games of the series with the Boston Bruins, it now appears he's definitely on the verge of a return to the lineup for Saturday's Game Four at Scotiabank Arena. He even addressed the media for the first time since his absence... Sort of. 

William Nylander, speaking to the media today following practice, asked what will be the biggest challenge for him if he’s back in tomorrow?

“Nothing”

Why is that?

“Because I’ve been skating and everything..”

— David Alter (@dalter) April 26, 2024

His answers were brief, and very non-revelatory. Nylander didn't reveal many thoughts about either his injury or how he'd feel returning to the lineup in the middle of a series. 

Asked about the reported migraines that have been the cause of his absence, which we reported on yesterday, he merely called it "personal" and wouldn't talk about it.

Asked what would be his biggest challenge in re-joining the lineup, he answered, flatly, "Nothing." When pushed, he responded, “Because I’ve been skating and everything.”

Finally, when asked if he'd be playing in Game 4:

“I don’t know.”

Yes, Nylander has always been the 'What, me worry?' kid, always appearing calm and collected, like nothing bothers him. But missing games is an extreme rarity for him. Those first three games of the Toronto-Boston series represented the first he's missed to 'injury' in over seven years. 

The two-time 40-goal scorer skated on a line with Pontus Holmberg and Calle Järnkrok at practice on Friday, but there's no word if that's how things would shake out should he return to action tomorrow.

Head coach Sheldon Keefe said the Leafs will make a call on Nylander tomorrow. But according to beat reporter Luke Fox, "All signs point to yes."

Photo: Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports