William Nylander’s Olympic status remains uncertain ahead of Team Sweden’s opening match against Italy at the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026. Nylander participated in the morning skate on Wednesday, but his availability for the game is still a topic of discussion among the coaching staff.
Nylander’s Performance and Status
Sweden’s coach, Sam Hallam, reported that Nylander looked good during the skating session. Hallam emphasized the importance of confirming Nylander’s condition with both the medical staff and the player himself. He stated, “It’s a positive that he was out on the ice today.” Nylander did not practice the day before due to what Hallam described as a maintenance issue.
Team Sweden’s Lineup and Game Details
Nylander, who is a forward for the Toronto Maple Leafs, participated in Sweden’s first two practices prior to the games. He was seen working on the team’s first power-play unit alongside notable players such as:
- Lucas Raymond (Detroit Red Wings)
- Joel Eriksson Ek (Minnesota Wild)
- Rasmus Dahlin (Buffalo Sabres)
- Adrian Kempe (Los Angeles Kings)
Sweden aims to secure Olympic gold in men’s hockey for the first time since 2006. They will face Italy at the Santagiulia Arena, with the game scheduled for 3:10 p.m. ET. The match will be broadcasted on platforms like Peacock, USA, and CBC Gem.
Nylander’s Recent Performance
This season, Nylander has recorded an impressive 52 points, with 18 goals and 34 assists in just 40 games. He briefly missed seven games due to a groin injury sustained on January 15 but returned to play in the latest three matches leading up to the Olympic break.
Team Strategy and Depth
Coach Hallam mentioned that Team Italy’s roster, which does not include any NHL players, would not influence their decision regarding Nylander’s participation. He noted the significance of having Nylander on the ice, stating, “He gives us that extra offensive edge.” However, if Nylander is unable to play, there are capable NHL players ready to step in, such as:
- Pontus Holmberg (Tampa Bay Lightning)
- Marcus Johansson (Minnesota Wild)
Hallam emphasized the depth of the team by asserting that “one player comes out means another great player comes in.” With 25 players on the roster, the entire team will play a crucial role throughout the tournament.
After the opening match against Italy, Sweden is set to compete against rival Team Finland on Friday, followed by a game against Team Slovakia the next day.
