Leafs’ William Nylander fined for flipping middle finger

“The gesture was shown live on-air during the game broadcast,” said George Parros, the head of Department of Player Safety, in a statement regarding the fine. “This serves as a reminder the code of conduct governing Players extends throughout the arena at NHL games and in public game situations.”

Nylander, 29, has not played since Jan. 15 while recovering from a groin injury, but he is expected to return in time to play for Team Sweden at the upcoming 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan, Italy. He previously suited up for the Swedes at the 4 Nations Face-Off.

In an interview with Toronto media on Monday, Nylander chalked up his reasons for showing the gesture to frustration. The typically durable winger has skated in just 37 games this season and was filmed flipping the bird while watching Sunday’s game with the rest of Toronto’s injured and scratched players; the Maple Leafs lost the game by a 4-1 score.

In his 37 games with the Maple Leafs this season, Nylander has collected 17 goals and 48 points. The 6′ right wing, who was born in Calgary but grew up in Stockholm, is under contract with Toronto through 2032 at an $11.5 million annual cap hit; his $5,000 fine won’t impact his wallet much, but it is technically the maximum allowed under the terms of the collective bargaining agreement.

The Maple Leafs originally selected Nylander with the No. 8 overall pick in the 2014 NHL Draft. After making his NHL debut in the 2015-16 season, Nylander quickly established himself as a bona fide NHL star and has since collected 279 goals and 660 points in 722 games. He’s added 26 goals and 58 points in 67 playoff contests.

Nylander is the son of former NHLer Michael Nylander and the brother of current Toronto Marlies forward Alex Nylander. Through 52 games in the 2025-26 NHL regular season, the Maple Leafs currently occupy seventh place in the Atlantic Division with a 24-19-9 record and 57 points.