The Toronto Maple Leafs announced today that the hockey club has signed forward William Nylander to an eight-year contract extension. The average annual value of the contract is $11.5 million.
Nylander is currently tied for fifth among NHL scoring leaders with 54 points (21 goals, 33 assists) in 37 games with the Maple Leafs this season. The 27-year-old opened the 2023-24 season with 27 points (12 goals, 15 assists) in 17 games to set a new franchise record for longest point streak to start a season. Nylander has also since recorded a 13-game point streak and has at least a point in a league-leading 33 of 37 games this season. Nylander was also recognized as an NHL Star of the Week in consecutive weeks of November (second star for the week ending on Nov. 19th and third star for the week ending on Nov. 12th). The 6’0, 202-pound forward skated in all 82 regular season games and 11 playoff games during the 2022- 23 campaign, setting regular season single-season career-highs in goals (40), assists (47) and points (87).
In 558 career regular season NHL games, Nylander has recorded 484 points (198 goals, 286 assists) while adding 40 points (17 goals, 23 assists) in 50 career Stanley Cup playoff games. On the regular season franchise all-time list, Nylander is currently ranked 15th in goals, 17th in assists and 14th in points.
Internationally, Nylander has represented Sweden on several occasions. Nylander has competed in three IIHF World Championships (2022, 2019 and 2017), helping Sweden capture a gold medal at the 2017 IIHF World Championship where he posted 14 points (seven goals, seven assists) in 10 games during the tournament. He was named to the World Championship All-Star Team on two occasions (2019, 2017) while being selected as the 2017 World Championship MVP. He also played in the 2016 and 2015 World Junior Championships, the 2014 and 2013 World U-18 Championships, the 2013 Ivan Hlinka Memorial Tournament and the 2013 World U-17 Hockey Challenge.
Nylander was selected by Toronto in the first round (8th overall) of the 2014 NHL Draft.
Elias Lindholm appeared to have scored for the Flames at 5:19, but the goal was overturned by a video review after the Blackhawks challenged for goaltender interference.
Kadri did tie the game 1-1 at 13:12 by tapping the puck into an open net.
Andrew Mangiapane put the Flames in front 2-1 with a power-play goal at 3:26 of the second period. He scored from the right face-off circle with a shot that deflected in off the right skate of Blackhawks defenseman Connor Murphy.
Philipp Kurashev tied it 2-2 at 12:09, and Nikita Zaitsev gave Chicago a 3-2 lead at 14:49 with a slap shot from the top of the right circle that deflected in off the right skate off Nick DeSimone.
Blackwell scored a power-play goal at 14:37 of the third to extend it to 4-2. The forward, who made his season debut on Dec. 19 after recovering from sports hernia surgery on March 23, had the second three-point game of his NHL career (three assists for the New York Rangers in a 4-0 win against the Devils on April 15, 2022).
"He's been unbelievable since he's been back," Chicago coach Luke Richardson said. "He was frustrated that it took so long to get back, but he did all the right things to get in shape. I was on the ice one day with the injured guys, and he really pushes, and he does all the right things in the gym and prepares himself, so I'm glad to see him have some success here."
Kadri brought the Flames to within 4-3 at 15:19, scoring from the goal line on the right side.
"I just kind of noticed that [Mrazek] was swimming a little bit," Kadri said. "I don't think he was quite sure where the puck was, so I figured I'd just put one short, low short side and was able to find a hole."
Flames coach Ryan Huska said the result came down to one thing.
"Tonight, we got a lot of individualistic play, and I think that hurt us, especially in the second period," he said. "They were hungrier and harder than we were."
NOTES: The Blackhawks played with 11 forwards and seven defensemen. Forward Rem Pitlick, who was acquired in a trade with the Pittsburgh Penguins on Saturday, could not make it to Chicago in time for the game because of weather conditions. … Forward Zach Sanford, who was claimed off waivers from the Arizona Coyotes on Saturday, had an assist on Blackwell's second goal.
Abby Stonehouse's record-setting performance kept Canada unbeaten at the world women's under-18 hockey championship in Zug, Switzerland.
Stonehouse scored two short-handed goals and added three assists to lead Canada past the Czech Republic 8-1 on Sunday. Both goals came in the second period, making the Blenheim, Ont., native the first player in tournament history to register two short-handed goals in both the same game and period.
The Canadians scored three short-handed goals in the contest, also a tournament record.
Make that 3️⃣ shorthanded goals!<br><br>Et de 3️⃣ en désavantage numérique!<a href="https://twitter.com/abbystonehouse_?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@abbystonehouse_</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/U18WomensWorlds?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#U18WomensWorlds</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MondialF%C3%A9mininM18?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MondialFémininM18</a><a href="https://t.co/7oOWOJelRD">pic.twitter.com/7oOWOJelRD</a>
Canada (2-0) opened the tournament Saturday with an 11-0 victory over Germany.
"Today was faster than the Germany game for sure," Stonehouse said. "But I think we adjusted to the pace quickly.
"We got into some penalty trouble, but our coaches preach to us that if our defensive zone is strong and we can get possession of the puck, we can turn it up on offence if we have the chance. We're a tight group and you can see the chemistry between not just the penalty killers, but every line."
Morgan Jackson and Caitlin Kraemer (two apiece), Emma Venusio and Mackenzie Alexander had the other goals for Canada.
Aneta Paroubkova replied for the Czech Republic (0-2).
Kraemer opened the scoring with a short-handed goal at 12:28 of the first. But Canada broke the game open in the second, outscoring the Czechs 4-1 in the period.
Stonehouse put Canada ahead 2-0 at 1:43 before scoring her second of the period at 8:20. Venusio made it 4-0 with the man advantage at 16:15 before Paroubkova scored at 17:38.
But Jackson countered at 19:27 to give the Canadians a four-goal advantage.
'The girls stepped up today'
Jackson added her second of the game at 7:47 of the third. Kraemer and Alexander scored at 10:39 and 15:55, respectively, to round out the scoring.
"Both games looked very different," said Canadian team coach Tara Watchorn. "I'm proud that we faced different challenges each night, which has allowed us to grow in a meaningful way.
"The girls stepped up today in terms of how they work as teammates, and despite an early learning curve, I like how we finished the game. Our goalies are rock stars and it was great to see Rhyah [Stewart] step up when we needed her tonight, she was a big part of this victory."
Stewart, of Antigonish, N.S., stopped 23 shots and was named Canada's player of the game. The Canadians outshot the Czech Republic 41-24.
Canada's quest for its first three-peat at the tournament since 2014 will continue on Tuesday in a round-robin matchup with 2-0 Finland before the quarterfinals commence on Thursday. The Canadians went undefeated at last year's edition.
Connor McDavid challenged the Ottawa Senators defence time and again on Saturday night.Photo by Codie McLachlan /Getty Images
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Senators 1, Oilers 3
It wasn’t the prettiest of games at Rogers Place on Saturday night, but the Edmonton Oilers did enough things right to earn the 2 points. Sniper Zach Hyman and playmaker Evan Bouchard teamed up on all 3 Edmonton goals, while Stuart Skinner took care of business at the defensive end allowing but a single tally. That combination was enough to lift the Oil to a 3-1 win over Ottawa Senators.
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The Oilers certainly created plenty of offensive looks, outshooting the visitors 46-30 while compiling a massive 26-10 advantage in Grade A Shots including 11-3 in 5-alarm chances (running count). Lots of “A-minus” type chances in there as execution was off just a smidge, often because an opponent had a stick or skate in the lane to at least disrupt things, but sometimes because things weren’t quite clicking.
But a win is a win, and this one was Edmonton’s seventh in succession; they’re not all going to be masterpieces. It was also their 20th of the season, moving them into the top wild card position in terms of points percentage.
Player grades
#2 Evan Bouchard, 7. Delivered in the game’s key moments. His powerplay point shot through traffic finally broke a scoreless tie in the game’s 39th minute, even as Hyman was ultimately credited with a deflection on the play. Survived a scary collision at the end of the second when his face got bounced off a seam in the glass, leading to a nasty cut and a certain amount of leakage during a gutsy third period. Made a fine recovery and quick lead pass to a breaking Hyman for the 2-0 at even strength. Took a marginal though entirely unnecessary interference penalty midway in the third. Was part of the problem on the 1 Ottawa tally when he was unable to contain Brady Tkachuk’s drive to the net front. Helped get that back with a secondary assist on the 3-1. Played 23:24 in all situations to lead the Oilers. Contributions to Grade A Shots (GAS): Even Strength +3/-4; Special Teams (+2/-0).
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#5 Cody Ceci, 6. Did his best work on the penalty kill, playing a team-high 3:02 on a unit that killed off a double minor in the first, then a key single minor midway through the third. Made a terrific shot block during the latter on a Tim Stutzle drive that appeared labelled for the far corner. He too took one for the team when he blocked an outside shot with his face, but didn’t miss a shift. Made a curcial clear from the edge of the crease to put out a fire. 5 blocks in all to lead both teams. GAS: ES +2/-2; ST +0/-0.
#10 Derek Ryan, 5. Nothing doing offensively on this night, indeed Oilers got outshot 6-1 during his 8:23 at evens. But was strong on the PK and held his own as the Oilers’ only right-shot faceoff man, winning 6/11=55%. GAS: ES +0/-1; ST +0/-0.
#13 Mattias Janmark, 5. Not at his best managing the puck, but survived a few nervous moments. He too played ~2 minutes on the PK, allowing little while getting a shorthanded breakaway of his own which he was unable to finish. GAS: ES +0/-1; ST +1/-0.
#14 Mattias Ekholm, 6. Mostly solid, though he was part of the problem on the Sens’ goal. Solid shot shares and some good moments moving the puck. Drilled Vladimir Tarasenko with a heavy hit. GAS: ES +3/-3; ST +0/-0.
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#18 Zach Hyman, 9. Looked after all the scoring with a pair of goal-mouth deflections and an outside shot on the rush that somehow got through Anton Forsberg (who otherwise had a strong game). Had a splendid night on the powerplay, where he was credited with 6 of Edmonton’s 9 shots and made a lovely pass to set up Draisaitl for another. Had 8 shots in all situations to co-lead the team, while involved in a whopping 12 Grade A shots at the good end and none at all at the bad. Already has 25 goals on the season. GAS: ES +6/-0; ST +6/-0.
#21 Adam Erne, 5. Brought the physicality with 5 hits on a night no other Oiler had more than 1, and did that in just 6:40 of ice time. Had a dangerous deflection from close range. Was among those beaten on the Ottawa goal, however.
#25 Darnell Nurse, 7. Had a splendid night on the PK, on which he played 3:01. Made 3 separate zone clears on the double minor, and enabled a fourth with an excellent in-zone pass to Brown that keyed a rush the other way. Made a key shot block early in the third. 2 shots. GAS: ES +1/-2; ST +0/-0.
#27 Brett Kulak, 5. Quiet, low-key, mostly in control. Nothing happening at either end of the sheet. Played just 13:07, fully 4½ minutes fewer than his partner Desharnais. GAS: ES +0/-0; ST +0/-0.
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#28 Connor Brown, 6. Played a strong 2-way game, especially in the third period. Excellent on the PK, where he allowed nothing while setting up Janmark’s breakaway with a lovely lob pass. GAS: ES +3/-0; ST +1/-0.
#29 Leon Draisaitl, 6. Relatively quiet night, even as his line carried the play with a 13-6 advantage in shots.. Held a similar edge (13/19=68%) on the faceoff dot, including a key win that set the table for the late powerplay goal that sealed the deal. GAS: ES +2/-1; ST +3/-0.
#37 Warren Foegele, 6. Another industrious game that included 4 shots and 7 attempts in 15 minutes of action. Did have a couple of turnovers and a somewhat clumsy collision with Nurse that resulted in a jailbreak the other way. Drew a pair of penalties in the third, with the refs actually calling the second one. That set the table for the clincher. GAS: ES +2/-1; ST +0/-0.
#57 James Hamblin, 5. Played a team-low 6:18 with little impact, sawing off in shot attempts, shots and scoring chances. Blanks in the Event Summary under shots, hits, and faceoff wins are not apt to turn heads his way, but he continues to hang on to an NHL job and has already beaten the odds by playing in the last 26 games. GAS: ES +0/-0; ST +0/-0.
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#71 Ryan McLeod, 6. Came close to opening the scoring in the opening minutes, which has become something of a specialty of his. Skated well, chipped in on the PK, 3 shots. GAS: ES +2/-1; ST +0/-0.
#73 Vincent Desharnais, 6. A tower of power along the walls and in the low slot. Not perfect with the puck on his stick, but many more good touches than bad ones. Solid on the penalty kill. GAS: ES +1/-0; ST +0/-0.
#74 Stuart Skinner, 8. Another in a series of strong performances, even as he had plenty of help from his friends who allowed just 3x 5-alarm chances. He too chipped in on the penalty kill with 5/5 saves. Lost his shutout with 5 minutes left, but guided the ship home. Saved 1.75 goals above expected. 30 shots, 29 saves, .967 save percentage.
#91 Evander Kane, 5. His 4-minute penalty for a somewhat unlucky high-sticking infraction was a potential turning point, but his mates turned it right back with an expert kill. Had some good offensive moments with 5 shots, and was flat-out robbed on a close-in chance and its rebound in the dying minutes. Played just 14:14. GAS: ES +4/-0; ST +0/-0.
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#93 Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, 7. Struggled with puck management behind his own blueline, failing to clear the zone more than once. Hard to argue, however, with a shot share of +14/-5 at even strength, an assist on the powerplay, and 2:22 on the PK to lead the forward corps. 6 shots on net. Drew a penalty. GAS: ES +7/-1; ST +4/-0.
#97 Connor McDavid, 8. The puck was moving in the right direction when he was out there, with the Oilers outshooting the Sens 14-7 at 5v5 even as the goals were tough to come by. Drew the penalty that led to the game’s first goal. A couple of weird decisions to pass the puck from good shooting position on 2-on-1 rushes with first Draisaitl, then Hyman in the third, but did muster 8 shots on goal along the way to co-lead the team. Despite the strong flow-of-play he couldn’t get anything to go until late in the third, when his perfect powerplay pass found Hyman’s blade for the deflection that ended the suspense. 8 shots, 3 (of Oilers’ 5) takeaways, 8/14=57% on the dot, and these terrific Grade A shots tallies: ES +7/-0; ST +4/-0.
“I think, once (the injury) settles a little bit he’ll be able to skate shortly. He just won’t be able to be in practice, but he’ll be able to be on the ice,” Richardson said of Bedard. “That’ll be good for him because it’ll get a lot of that restless energy that he’s going to have (out) ... He likes to be with the team, likes to be on the ice. It’s a blow and he’s young. He’s going to need his teammates and his family more than ever to support him and comfort him.”
Chicago's loss to New Jersey was the finale of a five-game road trip (0-4-1), during which it also lost forwards Taylor Raddysh (groin), Tyler Johnson (foot) and Anthony Beauvillier (wrist) to injury.
The Blackhawks (11-26-2), who are last in the Central Division, are 2-10-1 in their past 13 games.
“I think last year was difficult, we thought. Seems like nothing compared to this now,” Richardson said of the injury situation. “I mean, you can’t really pin it. It’s not one thing or little chronic things or things from over-fatigue or things that have kind of been overworked or anything. They’re big.
“'Rads' is probably the one hockey injury that’s normal, the groin injury. Everything else is substantial and time. It’s not a week. It’s weeks and more. So that makes it more challenging and difficult.”
Forward Nick Foligno was also placed on injured reserve on Saturday with a fractured left finger. He did not play in the third period on Friday after he fought Smith at 5:04 of the second.
“I mean, Connor was just really upset last night,” forward Jason Dickinson said. “That's pretty much all I talked to him about was just staying positive and being OK with where he's at.
“Nick, also just extremely frustrated and rattled that it happened because he's -- I don't know how many fights he's been in this year, but of course, it's this one that he goes and gets hurt. He's tough, so I don't think it'll hold him out very long. As soon as he's strong enough to hold a stick, I'm sure he'll be out there with us.”
Chicago acquired forward Rem Pitlick in a trade with the Pittsburgh Penguins for a conditional seventh-round pick in the 2026 NHL Draft on Saturday. The 26-year-old has 24 points (eight goals, 16 assists) in 32 games this season for Wilkes-Barre/Scranton of the American Hockey League. He also has 54 points (21 goals, 33 assists) in 123 NHL games with the Nashville Predators, Minnesota Wild and Montreal Canadiens.
The Blackhawks also claimed forward Zach Sanford off waivers from the Arizona Coyotes. He has two assists in 11 games with the Coyotes this season, and 100 points (49 goals, 51 assists) in 316 regular-season games for the Coyotes, Nashville Predators, Winnipeg Jets, Ottawa Senators, St. Louis Blues and Washington Capitals.
Richardson said Pitlick is expected to arrive in Chicago on Saturday and should be in the lineup when the Blackhawks host the Calgary Flames on Sunday (3 p.m. ET; NBCSCH, SN, TVAS).
NHL.com staff writer Tracey Myers and independent correspondent Bruce Miles contributed to this report
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