William Nylander Bio
William Andrew Michael Junior Nylander Altelius is a Swedish professional ice hockey player born on May 1, 1996, in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. He is a forward for the Toronto Maple Leafs in the National Hockey League (NHL). Known for his offensive skill and speed, Nylander was drafted eighth overall by the Maple Leafs in the 2014 NHL entry draft. He has represented Sweden internationally, winning a gold medal at the 2017 World Championship where he was named the tournament’s MVP. Over his career, Nylander has established himself as one of the league’s top forwards, noted for his impressive point totals and ability to perform in critical moments.
Early Life and Background
William Nylander was born in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, while his father, Michael Nylander, was playing for the Calgary Flames. He holds dual citizenship in Sweden and Canada. Nylander spent most of his youth in the United States, where his father played for several NHL teams, and he would spend summers in Sweden. The family eventually moved to Sweden when Nylander was 14 years old. His early exposure to hockey came through his father’s career, which greatly influenced his development as a player.
Path to Hockey
Nylander’s hockey journey began at a young age, and he played in the 2009 Quebec International Pee-Wee Hockey Tournament with the New York Rangers minor ice hockey team. He made his professional debut on February 14, 2013, in the HockeyAllsvenskan while playing alongside his father for Södertälje SK, where he earned an assist in his first game. Nylander had a successful rookie season in the Swedish Hockey League (SHL) in 2013-14, showcasing his offensive talent and earning recognition as a top prospect for the 2014 NHL entry draft.
William Nylander Career
Early Career (2013–2015)
After being drafted eighth overall by the Toronto Maple Leafs in 2014, Nylander signed a three-year entry-level contract with the team on August 18, 2014. He began the 2014-15 season with Modo Hockey in the SHL, where he scored eight goals and 12 assists in 21 games before being reassigned to the Toronto Marlies in the American Hockey League (AHL). Nylander had a remarkable performance in the AHL, scoring 32 points in 37 games and helping the Marlies reach the Calder Cup playoffs.
Breakthrough (2016–2017)
Nylander made his NHL debut on February 29, 2016, against the Tampa Bay Lightning, and scored his first NHL goal on March 5, 2016, against the Ottawa Senators. He quickly established himself in the league, playing alongside notable teammates and contributing significantly to the Maple Leafs’ success. In the 2016-17 season, he recorded 61 points, helping the Maple Leafs qualify for the playoffs for the first time in years.
Notable Works and Milestones
Nylander’s signature work includes his performance during the 2017 World Championship, where he led Sweden to a gold medal and was named the tournament MVP. He has consistently been a top scorer for the Maple Leafs, achieving career highs in goals and points over the years.
William Nylander Award Nominations
Throughout his career, William Nylander has received several nominations for his outstanding performance in the NHL and international competitions.
William Nylander Awards Won
William Nylander has achieved notable accolades, including a gold medal at the 2017 World Championship and being named the tournament’s MVP. He has also been recognized as a scoring leader in various tournaments.
William Nylander Family
William Nylander comes from a hockey family, with his father, Michael Nylander, being a former NHL player. He has six siblings, including his younger brother Alexander, who was drafted eighth overall by the Buffalo Sabres in 2016 and also plays for the Toronto Maple Leafs.
Personal Life
Nylander has maintained a relatively private personal life. He announced the launch of his YouTube channel in the 2025 off-season, showcasing his interests outside of hockey. He continues to reside in Toronto, where he plays for the Maple Leafs.
