William Nylander Shines in Triumphant NHL Return with Toronto Maple Leafs

William Nylander made an impressive comeback to the NHL on January 10, 2026, significantly contributing to the Toronto Maple Leafs' dominant 5-0 win over the Vancouver Canucks. After being sidelined for six games due to a suspected foot injury sustained against the Ottawa Senators, Nylander returned with a goal and two assists in his first game back, showcasing his critical role in the team's performance.

Nylander opened the scoring by assisting Matias Maccelli on a power play goal, before later scoring a decisive goal himself with a backhand shot following a two-on-one rush. His overall impact helped propel the Maple Leafs to their third consecutive victory and their fifth win in six games, bringing them within just one point of the last wild card spot in the Eastern Conference.

Reflecting on his time away from the ice, Nylander acknowledged the difficulty of being sidelined, saying, "It’s not fun to sit on the sidelines and not be able to participate. But the team has played well, and that made it easier." He was pleased with his performance, describing it as "a good way to come back," and praised the team’s current form, stating that the Maple Leafs are "at a new level" with widespread contributions from all players.

This strong comeback highlights Nylander's importance to the Toronto Maple Leafs as they push to secure a playoff spot in a highly competitive conference. His performance against Vancouver underscores his readiness to continue making significant contributions for the remainder of the season.