Nylander returns to Leafs' lineup for Game 4
Toronto Maple Leafs star winger William Nylander is back in the lineup for Game 4 of their first-round series against the Boston Bruins on Saturday.
Nylander sat out the first three games with an undisclosed ailment. It was reported Thursday that he's been dealing with severe migraines, though he opted not to shed any light on his injury when addressing the media Friday.
The Maple Leafs have been tight-lipped about Nylander's status, but Keefe explained there are reasons for secrecy in the NHL compared to other leagues.
"You're protecting your players," he said. "It's a very competitive and physical game, and you say guys don't target one another? Well, I've got news for you: They do. That's part of the game. So when you can protect the players and protect some information, why wouldn't you?"
Before the three games Nylander missed in this series, he last sat out with an injury in November 2016 when he was absent from a single contest due to an upper-body issue.
Nylander didn't attend Saturday's optional skate, but forgoing it is part of his normal game-day routine, per TSN's Mark Masters. He was a full participant in Friday's practice on a line with Pontus Holmberg and Calle Jarnkrok.
The 27-year-old tied a career high with 40 goals and set a new personal best with 98 points in 82 regular-season games.
Nylander has posted 40 points (17 goals, 23 assists) in 50 playoff games since his debut in 2015-16. He collected two goals and seven points in 14 games during the two previous playoff series against the Bruins in 2018 and 2019.
The Bruins have a 2-1 series lead.