The uncertainty surrounding William Nylander’s status ahead of the 2026 Winter Olympics has sparked a heated debate among NHL analysts, with some arguing that the Toronto Maple Leafs should cut him completely. The conversation was a hot topic TSN OverDrive on Tuesdayswith one host suggesting the Maple Leafs should pull Nylander from the games.
Jeff O’Neill was blunt when the subject came up. “I would tell him to buy his house. It’s over,” O’Neill said. “If there was any question, I would just say, ‘You’re done.’” As it stands, Nylander (groin) will be a game-time decision for Wednesday’s game against Italy.
What’s wrong with Nylander?
Nylander, who traveled to Italy to represent Team Sweden, has yet to resume skating, and the lack of clarity about his injury has only fueled concerns about what could be wrong with him. Adding to the mystery, members of the Swedish team – including Maple Leafs teammate Oliver Ekman-Larsson – have provided little information when asked. Bryan Hayes suggested that Ekman-Larsson was acting coy about Nylander’s condition.
According to Pierre LeBrun of The Athletic:
“It’s a maintenance issue,” head coach Sam Hallam said after practice. “He did two full ice practices with us and felt a little sore after yesterday, so we’ll just give him an extra day. And then we’ll see tomorrow if he’s ready to go. It’ll be a pretty late decision.”
source – ‘Sweden ‘not too concerned’ after William Nylander misses Olympic hockey training’ – Pierre LeBrun – The Athletic – 02-10-2026
That uncertainty makes people uncomfortable, and it should be a concern for the Maple Leafs. No one outside the team seems to know exactly what Nylander is dealing with. Is this a minor problem that just requires rest? Or is it something more serious that could last well beyond the Olympics?
Could the Maple Leafs sign Nylander? … Do they have to?
O’Neill acknowledged how meaningful the Olympics are for players, but questioned the risk involved, especially given Nylander’s importance to Toronto.
“If he grinds it out, makes it worse and then comes back and can’t go for the Leafs, that’s a problem,” O’Neill said, noting that Nylander makes $11.5 million per season with Toronto.
Jamie McLennan said he’s not sure what the Leafs can or should do. “You’re damned if you do, damned if you don’t,” McLennan said.
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If Nylander delays, he risks missing a unique opportunity. If he plays injured, he could jeopardize the rest of his NHL season – or worse.
Bryan Hayes argued that there might not be much the Maple Leafs can do. “Ultimately it’s up to Nylander,” Hayes said. “If he wants to take the risk of playing for Team Sweden, there’s not much Toronto can do.”
Hayes pointed out that the NHL Players’ Association pushed for participation in the Olympics, limiting the amount of control teams actually have. In this scenario, the Leafs can only hope that Nylander is mature enough to make the right choice for himself.
“He is too important for Sweden,” Hayes added. “He knows that. There will be pressure from that group to get him to play.” If he feels like he can go, it’s fair to assume Nylander will push it.
Does it matter at all?
Perhaps the context is important here. Toronto’s position in the standings complicates the situation, as the Maple Leafs fall well outside the playoff picture. The chances of them getting in are slim, and Nylander may not feel the same obligation to prioritize the NHL season.
It’s a somewhat valid argument. If Nylander feels like Toronto’s season is lost and he has only a slim chance of playing in the Olympics, he’ll likely prioritize the latter. From Toronto’s perspective, it’s a problematic scenario. A compromised Nylander returning at less than 100 percent doesn’t help a team already battling uphill.
McLennan believes there is something bigger going on. If that’s true, that alone makes this a major storyline worth watching.
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