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William Nylander Injury Update Emerges on Saturday

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Ankit Kumar | Last updated Jan 10, 2026 4:01 PM ET

The Toronto Maple Leafs received positive news before Saturday’s game against the Vancouver Canucks.

Forward William Nylander is set to return to the lineup. He was activated from injured reserve earlier in the day.

Nylander missed six games with a lower-body injury. He last played on December 23 against Pittsburgh. In that game, he scored two goals and added two assists. Before that, he struggled through much of December.

Head coach Craig Berube confirmed Nylander’s return during pregame media availability.

"Willie is [back tonight]," Berube said.

When asked about what Nylander's return means for the Leafs, Berube said Nylander brings speed and offense.

"Well, he's obviously a great player," Berube said. "Skill, speed. I mean, you know, he adds offense, and he adds in a lot of areas. So, it's great to have him back."

Buzzin around pic.twitter.com/fzOOCqMtqQ
— Toronto Maple Leafs (@MapleLeafs) January 10, 2026

Nylander leads the Maple Leafs in points this season. He has 14 goals and 27 assists in 33 games. His presence should help a power play that has struggled. Toronto ranks near the bottom of the league in that category.

The Maple Leafs enter the game with a 21-15-7 record. They sit fifth in the Atlantic Division. Toronto scores 3.33 goals per game but allows too many defensively. The penalty kill has been one of the team’s strengths.

Toronto is coming off a 2-1 overtime win against the Philadelphia Flyers . Easton Cowan scored the overtime winner, and Dennis Hildeby made 22 saves in the win. The victory ended a five-game road losing streak.

WHERE DO THE GOOD!! pic.twitter.com/QVczyg8Vi1
— Toronto Maple Leafs (@MapleLeafs) January 9, 2026

Vancouver enters the matchup on a five-game losing streak. The Canucks are 16-22-5 this season. They have struggled to score and defend consistently, and their minus-35 goal differential reflects those issues.

Puck drop is set for 7 p.m. EST in Toronto. Nylander’s return adds scoring depth, and the Maple Leafs hope it leads to a stronger showing at home.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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