Report: NHL is investigating how William Nylander gave the middle finger to the camera during Sunday’s game

The Athletic’s Chris Johnston reports that the NHL is now investigating the matter and that Nylander may face sanctions for the incident.

This is what happened:

Nylander then apologized on his Instagram Story after the match.

“Only love to Leafs Nation,” Nylander wrote. “Sorry for my moment of frustration today! I didn’t mean to upset anyone. I’m looking forward to being back on the ice and not in the stands. Love Willy.”

Nylander has been out of the lineup since aggravating a groin injury on Jan. 15 against the Vegas Golden Knights. Toronto has posted a 1-3-1 record during Nylander’s latest absence, losing every game in a crucial home stretch this week. And it’s only natural to understand where Nylander was coming from, as the Maple Leafs lost 4-1 to the league-leading Avalanche. Brock Nelson recorded a hat trick for the Avalanche, while Max Domi scored with 62 seconds left in regulation to avoid a shutout.

“When I got home here, I thought we put ourselves in a pretty good spot to move up in the standings,” Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube said after the game. “We have been a good home team. But that was not the case this time when we returned home.”

Normally you’re not supposed to editorialize during a news story, but we’re breaking the fourth wall and believe this is a non-story and should be treated as such by the league office.