Toronto Maple Leafs forward William Nylander. Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images

Watch: Maple Leafs All-Star exits preseason tilt vs. Canadiens with injury

By Victor Barbosa | Last updated Sep 27, 2024 11:47 AM ET

Toronto Maple Leafs center William Nylander exited the team's Thursday night preseason contest against the Montreal Canadiens early after suffering an undisclosed injury in the first period.

The 28-year-old went down to the ice in bizarre fashion after being intentionally pushed from behind by teammate Nicholas Robertson and the end of his hockey stick.

The Toronto Maple Leafs announced that William Nylander will not return after leaving the ice during this play. pic.twitter.com/TvJgzm5ODI
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) September 27, 2024

Former St. Louis Blues defenseman Jordan Schmaltz took to social media to call out Robertson for a "boneheaded play."

I mean I get the idea Robertson is trying to do here. We call it the “slingshot”.. When you press on the back of your teammates pants with your twig to help them catch the opposing player normally on an odd man rush or breakaway. It really works as a slingshot. However, In this… pic.twitter.com/ht5zCdHJ4T
— Jordan Schmaltz (@J_Swish24) September 27, 2024

Fortunately for the Maple Leafs, head coach Craig Berube said following the 2-1 victory that Nylander should be fine and there was "nothing to worry about."

The 2014 eighth overall pick had his best season last year, posting career-bests in assists (50) and points (98) while matching his career high from the 2022-23 campaign in goals (40). Nylander ranked 10th in the NHL in points and sixth in shots (316) last season while making his first All-Star team.

Robertson was selected by Toronto in the second round of the 2019 NHL Entry Draft and played just 31 games across his first three seasons. He set career highs in goals (14), assists (13), points (27) and games played (56) last year.

Victor Barbosa

Victor Barbosa is a passionate follower of MLB, the NBA and NFL, with a deep interest in Boston-area teams. He graduated from Springfield College -- The Birthplace of Basketball -- in 2013 with a degree in Communications-Sports Journalism. Previous bylines include FanSided, Heavy and Syracuse

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