The Toronto Maple Leafs had high hopes of climbing into the Eastern Conference playoff race once they returned home from a road trip last week. As an alternative, they’ve gone 0-3-1 of their current 5-game homestand, and so they have gone 1-4-2 following an 8-0-2 run.
William Nylander has apologized for flipping the bird to the camera during today’s @TSN_Sports broadcast of Leafs-Avs, calling it a “moment of frustration.”
That is from Nylander’s IG: pic.twitter.com/1A8DF2x3AV
— Chris Johnston (@reporterchris) January 26, 2026
The recent losing streak included a 4-1 loss to the Colorado Avalanche Sunday afternoon, and injured star William Nylander was apparently quite upset while watching the Maple Leafs fall behind early and fail to mount a comeback. When television cameras focused on Nylander while watching the sport, he made a crude gesture along with his middle finger that was captured by the Sportsnet cameras.
The frustrated Nylander apologized shortly thereafter with a post on his Instagram account. “Only love for Leafs nation,” Nylander posted. “Sorry about my moment of frustration today! Didn’t mean to upset anyone. Looking forward to being back on the ice and never within the stands. Love Willy.”
Nylander has missed the last five Maple Leafs games as a consequence of a lower body injury. He skated prior to the team’s Saturday practice and that is a positive sign he may very well be back within the lineup soon.
The Leafs host the surging Buffalo Sabres in the ultimate game of their homestand Tuesday and he may very well be back within the lineup for that game. Nylander is one in every of the team’s most enjoyable and productive offensive players. He has scored 17 goals and 31 assists while playing in 37 games. Prior to missing essentially the most recent 5 games, he was forced out of the lineup for six games earlier within the season.
While Auston Matthews is the captain of the Leafs and widely known as their best player, Nylander’s speed, creativity and blistering shot have been key aspects in Toronto’s success.