William Nylander’s absence from Maple Leafs playoff lineup is due to a bad migraine: Report
There could be a valid reason for William Nylander’s unexpected absence from the Maple Leafs.
On Thursday, Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman reported that Nylander is suffering from a terrible migraine ailment, prompting team physicians to examine the 98-point winger for a concussion.
According to Friedman’s sources, the issue arose Thursday after Nylander was allowed to play in both of Toronto’s final two regular-season games rather than resting like certain stars on a team may before the playoffs.
He was forced to play both games due to a lack of attackers.
Nylander did not play in the first three games of the series against Boston due to pain, but he did attend the two most recent morning workouts.
He didn’t take regular line shifts, and coach Sheldon Keefe has repeatedly left the door open for his return in each game.
Such a condition could explain why Nylander was able to move around with relative comfort when skating and shooting, with no signs of an upper or lower body ailment.
It would not be Nylander’s first experience with headaches. In September 2022, he told the media that he had converted to a tinted visor owing to headaches the previous season.
Nylander may play Saturday with an extra day of rest in the series, which Toronto trails 2-1, despite the fact that the team got Thursday off following a trip to Boston.
The Leafs also expect that winger Bobby McMann (lower body) would be closer to returning following Friday’s practice.
Nylander was the only Maple Leafs player to play all 82 regular-season games. He scored a career-high 98 points and tied his previous best of 40 goals. The Swedish winger also signed a hefty contract extension earlier this season, with an eight-year agreement for $92 million that will begin next season.
