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William Nylander of the Toronto Maple Leafs celebrates his goal against the Florida Panthers during the first period of Game One of the Second Round of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs. (Photo by Mark Blinch/NHLI via Getty Images)

Maple Leafs News & Rumours: Nylander, OEL, Raddysh & Rielly

Originally posted on The Hockey Writers | By The Old Prof | Last updated Feb 12, 2026 1:25 PM ET

It’s been a lively stretch for Toronto Maple Leafs fans, even with the Olympic break. A few Maple Leafs have already made early headlines overseas, and their performances—good, bad, or simply confusing—are giving us plenty to talk about. The games might be happening in Milan, but the ripple effects have found their way back home.

At the same time, the rumour mill refuses to sleep. Once again, the Maple Leafs are being linked to another right-shot defenceman, and once again, the path to getting him is far messier than the talk-show debates make it sound. Here’s a look at what’s real, what’s noise, and what it means for Toronto moving forward.

Item One: William Nylander Delivers on the Olympic Stage

Sweden’s opener on Wednesday was supposed to be a comfortable tune-up. Instead, Italy hung around far longer than expected before Sweden finally locked down a 5–2 win. The key moment came from William Nylander, who stepped up when the game needed settling. Despite being a game-time decision after missing practice, he buried the go-ahead goal right after Italy tied things 2–2. It wasn’t flashy—just smart, calm, and perfectly timed.

The rest of Sweden’s scoring came from a mix of familiar NHL names, but it was Nylander’s contribution that broke the tension. Italy’s two goals gave the building some life, but Sweden’s skill eventually took over. For the Maple Leafs, it’s another reminder of how steady Nylander has become: big moment, tight game, and he’s right in the middle of it, making the smart play.

Item Two: Ekman-Larsson’s Bench Night Raises Eyebrows

Oliver Ekman-Larsson (OEL) had a strange outing. Technically, he dressed for Sweden’s win. Realistically, he may as well have been carrying a clipboard. He didn’t log a single shift—an odd sight for someone who’s become a steady part of Toronto’s top four this season.

It was a big difference from his first Olympic run in 2014, when he played real minutes and helped Sweden earn silver. This time, he was parked on the bench, sitting beside Filip Forsberg while the game tightened in the second period.

Oliver Ekman-Larsson, Toronto Maple Leafs (Photo by Mark Blinch/NHLI via Getty Images)

It’s not a slight on his season, though. After he was bought out by the Vancouver Canucks in 2023, he rebuilt his game with the Florida Panthers, won the Cup, and turned himself into a trusted voice on the Maple Leafs’ blue line. Even if he didn’t see the ice in this one, his performance in Toronto has earned more respect than his Olympic deployment suggests.

Item Three: The Darren Raddysh Dream Meets Reality

Now to the rumour that’s been making the rounds: Darren Raddysh. Every year, the Maple Leafs circle back to the same shopping list. They want a mobile right-shot defenceman, a good puck mover, and someone who can steady the blue line. On paper, this season, Raddysh checks all the boxes, and thanks to Nick Kypreos pumping the storyline, it’s picking up steam.

Here’s the real snag: Morgan Rielly isn’t moving. He has a no-movement clause, four years left on his deal, and hasn’t shown even a hint of willingness to waive it. Fans can wish for cap gymnastics, but that contract isn’t going anywhere. If Toronto wants Raddysh, they have to build the deal around something else.

Morgan Rielly and Brandon Carlo of the Toronto Maple Leafs (Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images)

Then there’s the Tampa Bay Lightning. They’re not just tossing Raddysh out the door. He’s having a strong season, he fits their style perfectly, and they’ll want real assets coming back. (And, Fraser Minten has already been traded to the Boston Bruins.) The number floating around for an extension—somewhere in the $5–$6 million range—only complicates things further. For the Maple Leafs, that’s a tight squeeze no matter how you arrange the lineup.

In the end, it’s the same old story. The idea looks great on the whiteboard, but the execution is a mountain. Rielly’s unmovable contract, Tampa Bay’s leverage, and Raddysh’s rising value make this a tough road to walk. It’s funny in a way: not long ago, Rielly was supposed to be the long-term answer to the exact problem Toronto is trying to fix again. Now he’s the obstacle that makes the whole idea fall apart.

What’s Next for Maple Leafs Olympic Players?

The tournament is just getting started, and the Maple Leafs already have a pair of early storylines—Nylander making an impact and Ekman-Larsson quietly waiting his turn. As the games tighten up, their minutes, roles, and moments will only grow more interesting. And back in Toronto, the front office continues to wrestle with the big-picture questions that never seem to go away.

Plenty more to come—on the ice in Milan and in the rumour mill at home. Auston Matthews plays today, that could be fun.