William Nylander exits Maple Leafs-Vegas game with lower-body injury

William Nylander, the Toronto Maple Leafs’ leading scorer, suffered a lower-body injury late in the first period of their game against the Vegas Golden Knights on January 15, 2026. The star forward had been having a strong night, notching a goal and an assist before heading to the locker room. The Maple Leafs confirmed that Nylander would not return, raising concerns for the team’s top line.

Teammate Oliver Ekman-Larsson also left the ice in the first period but returned for the second. This incident comes just days after Nylander’s overtime winner against the Colorado Avalanche on Monday, which snapped their 17-game home winning streak. Fans and analysts are watching closely as the Maple Leafs navigate a crucial stretch.

The incident unfolds in Las Vegas

The game at T-Mobile Arena started with promise for Toronto. Nylander opened the scoring and set up another goal, showcasing his playmaking ability. Late in the period, however, he appeared to suffer the injury, possibly while celebrating his own tally, according to posts found on X.

The Maple Leafs’ PR team quickly announced that the 11-year veteran would sit out the remainder. Details remain scarce, but it mirrors a recent lower-body issue that sidelined him for six games before his return on Saturday. Ekman-Larsson’s brief exit added tension, though his quick return provided some relief.

Coaches refrained from specifics post-period, focusing on the game’s momentum. Vegas, with their strong home record, capitalized on the shift. Early reports from Sportsnet highlighted the abrupt end to what was shaping up as a standout performance for Nylander against a familiar foe.

This marks the second lower-body concern in weeks for the Swede. Medical staff likely conducted imaging immediately. The timing, amid a road trip, complicates recovery logistics.

Nylander’s dominant 2025-26 season so far

Entering the Vegas matchup, Nylander led Toronto with 46 points, including 30 assists. His goal-scoring prowess has been key, blending speed and precision. The 28-year-old has elevated the top-six forwards alongside Auston Matthews and John Tavares.

Just returned from injury, he wasted no time impacting games. His overtime heroics in Colorado underscored his clutch ability. Over three prior seasons, Nylander played all 82 games each year, proving durability—until recently.

• Key stats: 46 points (16 goals, 30 assists) in 41 games
• Power-play points: 12, leading the team
• Recent form: 5 points in 3 games post-injury return
• Historical ironman: 82 GP in 2022-23, 2023-24, 2024-25; 81 in 2021-22

For deeper context on his timeline, check our Nylander injury update.

Analysts praise his evolution into a complete player. Off-ice training has bolstered his resilience. Yet, this latest setback tests that foundation.

Injury history and patterns

Nylander’s lower-body woes aren’t new this season. He missed six straight games before Saturday’s comeback. Prior campaigns showed remarkable health, but 2025-26 has brought vulnerability.

Ekman-Larsson’s involvement hints at a play-related incident. Re-aggravation during celebration suggests soft-tissue strain. Toronto’s medical team excels in quick assessments, per past recoveries.

The broader Maple Leafs injury picture worries fans. As detailed in our piece on the Leafs’ 2025-26 health crisis, multiple stars have battled ailments. Depth players like Nicolas Roy and Easton Cowan stepped up in projections from NHL.com.

Recovery timelines vary: minor sprains take 1-2 weeks, worse cases longer. Nylander’s age and fitness favor optimism. Management prioritizes playoffs over regular-season grind.

Past examples include his rapid 2021-22 return from similar issues. Teammates rallied, echoing current sentiment.

Implications for the Maple Leafs

Toronto sat at 23-16-7 entering the game, clinging to Atlantic Division contention. Nylander’s absence strains the top line, forcing adjustments. Matthews and Tavares must shoulder more, while prospects like Matthew Knies gain ice time.

Vegas matchup projected intensity, per previews. Losing their scorer mid-game shifts dynamics. Road trips amplify challenges without a key piece.

Coaches may elevate Bobby McMann or Nicholas Robertson. Power play, where Nylander thrives, needs retooling. Long-term, it tests roster depth built for such moments.

Playoff implications loom large. Toronto’s history of late surges relies on stars’ health. This could spark a collective push or expose weaknesses.

Fan reactions on social media mix concern with support. Ownership invests heavily in core retention for runs like this.

Road ahead and recovery outlook

Updates expected soon from Toronto’s practice Friday. If mild, Nylander could miss 1-3 games. Severe scenarios might sideline him weeks, impacting All-Star considerations.

The Leafs face Colorado rematch soon, ironic given his heroics there. Medical monitoring intensifies on this road swing. Positive precedents from his recent bounce-back fuel hope.

Management’s cautious approach prioritizes full healing. Teammates like Rielly voiced support post-game. Vegas loss or win, resilience defines contenders.

Nylander’s mindset remains fierce, per past interviews. Training regimens adapt for prevention.

This injury tests Toronto’s mettle but highlights their depth. A swift recovery keeps championship dreams alive—what it means for the Atlantic race hinges on his return. Fans await news, optimistic yet realistic.