William Nylander Skips Practice Before Sweden’s Olympic Opener

William Nylander, a prominent player for Team Sweden, missed practice ahead of the nation’s Olympic opener against Italy. The session took place on Tuesday at the Milano Santagiulia Arena, raising concerns about his availability for the crucial match scheduled for Wednesday.

Nylander’s Status Questioned Before Olympic Opener

Head coach Sam Hallam reported that Nylander’s absence was due to maintenance regarding soreness experienced after the previous day’s practice. Hallam stated, “It’s a maintenance thing. He’s done two full practices with us and felt after yesterday a bit sore, so just give him an extra day.” The team plans to evaluate Nylander’s condition the day of the game.

Nylander’s Injury History

• Nylander has missed 17 games with the Toronto Maple Leafs this season.
• The majority of his absences were due to a lingering groin injury.

Despite concerns about his health, Nylander remained optimistic before flying to Italy. He expressed excitement about competing in the Olympics, stating, “That experience is going to be incredible.” Nylander emphasized the significance of this opportunity, saying it doesn’t happen often, especially for a first-time Olympian.

Impact on Team Sweden

As the leading scorer for the Maple Leafs, Nylander averages 1.3 points per game, positioning him as a key player for Team Sweden. His offensive skills will be vital if Sweden aims for a gold medal. Nylander expressed his determination to perform, indicating he’d rather compete with the mindset of winning rather than settling for silver or bronze.

Team Support and Expectations

Oliver Ekman-Larsson, Nylander’s teammate and Olympic village roommate, reassured reporters that Nylander would likely be ready for the match. He emphasized Nylander’s importance to the team, stating, “Whenever he’s wearing that (Tre Kronor) jersey, a lot of fans get excited.” Ekman-Larsson noted the psychological impact of Nylander’s presence, particularly given the significance of the Toronto market on Sweden’s national team.

As Sweden prepares for its Olympic journey, Nylander’s health remains a focal point, with hopes high for a strong medal contention led by his dynamic gameplay.