History of William Nylander in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: May 2, 2025

William Nylander is a Swedish professional ice hockey forward currently playing for the Toronto Maple Leafs in the NHL. Drafted eighth overall by Toronto in 2014, Nylander has become a key player for the team. Although born in Canada, he represents Sweden in international competition. Notably, he won a gold medal at the 2017 World Championship and was named the tournament's MVP, solidifying his reputation as a highly skilled and impactful player.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

May 1996: William Nylander's Birth

In May 1996, William Andrew Michael Junior Nylander Altelius was born. He is a Swedish professional ice hockey forward.

Others born on this day/year

2009: Played in Quebec International Pee-Wee Hockey Tournament

In 2009, Nylander played in the Quebec International Pee-Wee Hockey Tournament with the New York Rangers minor ice hockey team.

November 2012: Eligible to Represent Sweden

On 12 November 2012, the IIHF ruled that Nylander was eligible to represent Sweden in international play, despite being born in Canada.

February 2013: HockeyAllsvenskan Debut

On 14 February 2013, Nylander made his HockeyAllsvenskan debut with Södertälje SK, earning an assist in his first professional game.

2013: Gold Medal at World U-17 Hockey Challenge

In 2013, Nylander competed with Sweden under-18 team at the World U-17 Hockey Challenge, winning a gold medal.

August 2014: Signed with Maple Leafs

On 18 August 2014, Nylander was signed to a three-year, entry-level contract by the Maple Leafs.

2014: Standout Player at World U18 Championships

In 2014, Nylander was a standout player at the World U18 Championships, winning the scoring race.

2014: Ranked as a Top Prospect in the NHL Entry Draft

In 2014, Nylander was ranked as a top prospect in the NHL entry draft, he was ultimately selected eighth overall by the Toronto Maple Leafs.

2014: Drafted by Toronto Maple Leafs

In 2014, William Nylander was selected by the Toronto Maple Leafs in the first round, eighth overall, of the NHL entry draft.

January 2015: Reassigned to Toronto Marlies

On 12 January 2015, Nylander was reassigned to the Toronto Marlies of the AHL to further his development.

2015: Finished Fifth at World Junior Championships

At the 2015 World Junior Championships, Nylander finished fifth in tournament scoring.

February 2016: NHL Debut

On 29 February 2016, Nylander made his NHL debut against the Tampa Bay Lightning.

March 2016: First NHL Goal

On 5 March 2016, Nylander scored his first NHL goal against Andrew Hammond of the Ottawa Senators.

October 2016: Made Maple Leafs Roster Full-Time

On 12 October 2016, Nylander debuted alongside Zach Hyman and Auston Matthews in the season opener against the Ottawa Senators, making the Maple Leafs roster full-time. He was named Rookie of the Month by the NHL for October.

2016: Brother Drafted by Buffalo Sabres

In 2016, Nylander's younger brother Alexander was selected eighth overall by the Buffalo Sabres in the NHL entry draft.

February 2017: First NHL Hat-Trick

On 4 February 2017, Nylander scored his first NHL career hat-trick against the Boston Bruins.

2017: Continued on Top Line

During the 2017-18 season, William Nylander was again placed on the top line with Matthews and Hyman.

2017: Senior Team Debut at World Championship

In 2017, Nylander made his senior team debut at the World Championship, where Sweden won gold. He was named tournament MVP.

2017: Won Gold at World Championship

In 2017, William Nylander won gold at the World Championship and was named the tournament's most valuable player (MVP).

2018: Restricted Free Agency

In 2018, Nylander became a restricted free agent and went unsigned throughout the summer, leading to him missing the team's training camp and part of the season before signing a six-year, $45 million contract minutes before the deadline.

January 2024: Signed Contract Extension

On 8 January 2024, William Nylander signed an eight-year, $92 million contract extension with the Maple Leafs. He was also named to the 2024 NHL All-Star Game.