Sweden Olympic Hockey Team: Nylander’s Status & Gold Medal Pursuit

MILAN – The anticipation is building as Team Sweden prepares for its opening match against Italy at the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026. However, a key question remains: will star forward William Nylander be on the ice?

Nylander participated in Wednesday’s morning skate, offering a positive sign for his availability. Coach Sam Hallam expressed cautious optimism, stating, “He looked good on the ice. He felt good before. I haven’t been in the locker room yet. So I just need last check with medical staff and Willy. But [it’s a] positive that he was out on the ice today.”

Nylander’s Power Play Role

During the skate, Nylander practiced with the first power-play unit alongside Detroit Red Wings’ Lucas Raymond, Minnesota Wild’s Joel Eriksson Ek, Buffalo Sabres’ Rasmus Dahlin, and Los Angeles Kings’ Adrian Kempe. This indicates the significant role Hallam envisions for Nylander if he’s fit to play.

A ‘Maintenance Thing’ and Olympic Ambitions

The Toronto Maple Leafs forward sat out Tuesday’s practice due to what Hallam described as a “maintenance thing,” but had participated in the team’s first two practices. Nylander boasts an impressive stat line this season, with 52 points (18 goals, 34 assists) in 40 games. He recently returned from a seven-game absence due to a groin injury, playing in Toronto’s three games before the Olympic break.

Italy’s Roster Doesn’t Change the Equation

Hallam emphasized that Italy’s lack of NHL players wouldn’t influence the decision regarding Nylander’s participation. “It doesn’t matter who we play, we want Willy on the ice,” he stated. “He gives us that extra offensive edge.”

Ready Replacements

Should Nylander be unable to play, Hallam has options. Pontus Holmberg (Tampa Bay Lightning) and Marcus Johansson (Minnesota Wild) are poised to step in. “If you look at how we can build this team and the other top countries participating in this tournament, I mean one player comes out means another great player comes in,” Hallam explained. “So we have a group of 25 players. Everyone is going to be huge at some point in this tournament.”

Upcoming Schedule

Sweden’s Olympic schedule includes a match against rival Finland on Friday and Slovakia the following day, following their opener against Italy at Santagiulia Arena (3:10 p.m. ET; Peacock, USA, ICI TOU.TV, CBC Gem, SN, RDS).

Nylander’s Impressive Career

Nylander is a dynamic force, with 664 points (280 goals, 384 assists) in 725 NHL games. He ranks second among Swedish players since entering the league in the 2015-16 season, trailing only Olympic teammate Mika Zibanejad of the New York Rangers (692 points). IIHF provides comprehensive coverage of the tournament.

International Experience

Born in Calgary but representing Sweden, Nylander has a decorated international career, including a gold medal at the 2017 IIHF World Championship and a bronze in 2025. He’s also competed in the IIHF World Under-18 Championship (2013, 2014), IIHF World Junior Championship (2015, 2016), and 4 Nations Face-Off.

Forward Lucas Raymond echoed the team’s sentiment, saying, “Obviously he’s a huge part of our team. He’s kind of that X-factor that every team wants, hopefully he’s feeling good and we’ll be ready to go tonight.”