Team Sweden is preparing to open their quest for gold on the 2026 Winter Olympics against the host nation, Italy, on Thursday. There had been some prior injury concerns around William Nylander, including him missing a practice. Now, his status for his country’s first game of the Olympics has been cleared up.
Nylander will probably be playing against Italy on Thursday, based on the official lineup sheet.
The Toronto Maple Leafs’ forward will probably be playing on the highest line, alongside Adrian Kempe and Joel Eriksson Ek. Meanwhile, Philip Broberg and Erik Karlsson will probably be the highest defensive pairing with Jacob Markstrom in goal.
The status of Nylander was still unclear, even after the morning skate. Coach Sam Hallam did address his status after the skate, per Bill Price of NHL.com.
“He looked good on the ice,” Hallam said. “He felt good before. I have never been within 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.”
When Nylander missed practice the day before their opening game, it was called maintenance, but considering he had recently missed time for the Maple Leafs as a consequence of a groin injury, there was still reason to be concerned.
Sweden is 2-0 all-time on the Olympics against Italy, and has never lost to them on the senior level. While Italy is void of any NHL players, Sweden still wanted one among their top scoring options on the ice. That could be a sentiment that was also shared by Hallam.
“It doesn’t matter who we play, we wish Willy on the ice. He gives us that extra offensive edge,” Hallam added.
After seeing Slovakia upset Finland earlier within the day, Sweden could have had much more desire to get their star forward on the ice.
Sweden is available in as the favourite to win Group B. After this tilt, they are going to face Finland on Friday, before opposing Slovakia on Saturday to complete the group stage. Italy has Slovakia first, before Finland, on the identical days.