Nylander Apologizes After Obscene Gesture Caught on Camera
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By Nemanja Petković
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Summary:
- William Nylander issued a public apology, calling the gesture a moment of frustration during Sunday’s loss to the Colorado Avalanche.
- The NHL is reviewing the incident and possible discipline is still on the table, according to TSN.
- Nylander remains sidelined with a groin injury as the Toronto Maple Leafs struggles through a rough stretch at home.
William Nylander knows he crossed a line, and he is owning it. The Toronto Maple Leafs forward apologized Sunday night after cameras caught him making an obscene gesture during the team’s 4-1 loss to the Colorado Avalanche in the NHL.
Nylander described it as a lapse brought on by frustration while watching from the sidelines.
“Only Love for Leafs Nation”
Nylander wrote in an Instagram post after the game.
Only love for leafs nation. sorry about my moment of frustration today! didn’t mean to upset anyone. looking forward to being back on the ice and not in the stands. love willy.
The apology may not be the end of the story. TSN Hockey Insider Chris Johnston reported that the NHL is reviewing the incident, and discipline remains a possibility.
The moment happened early in the third period with Toronto down 3-0. A TSN broadcast shot showed Nylander sitting in a booth alongside injured teammates Chris Tanev, Dakota Joshua, Calle Jarnkrok and Philippe Myers.
As the camera lingered, Nylander briefly raised his middle finger before the broadcast cut back to the ice. It lasted only a second, but it did not go unnoticed.
Fifth Absence in a Row
William Nylander has been sidelined with a groin injury and Sunday marked his fifth straight missed game. From the press box, he watched another tough night for the Leafs at home. The loss was Toronto’s fourth in a row at Scotiabank Arena and their sixth defeat in the last seven games overall.
Despite the injury, Nylander remains one of Toronto’s most productive players this season. He has 17 goals and 31 assists for 48 points in 37 games, averaging just over 18 minutes of ice time per night.
The Leafs sit at 24-19-9 and will try to steady things Tuesday against the Buffalo Sabres. After that, they head out on a six-game road trip, with Nylander hoping his next appearance comes on the ice rather than in the stands.
