Nylander Returns to Practice

In a tense moment during Thursday's preseason game, Toronto Maple Leafs forward William Nylander faced a terrifying collision, but he returned to practice on Friday, much to the relief of fans and teammates alike.

Details of the Collision

The incident occurred during the team’s narrow 2-1 victory against the Montreal Canadiens. Nylander, 28, was attempting to back-check when colleague Nick Robertson inadvertently sent him crashing head-first into the leg of Canadiens forward Christian Dvorak. After leaving the game for precautionary reasons, Nylander reassured everyone as he took the ice again on Friday. Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube confirmed, 'He'll be OK. Nothing to worry about.'

Nylander's Performance Last Season

Last season, Nylander had an impressive performance, netting 40 goals and totaling 98 points over 82 games, solidifying his role as a key player for the Maple Leafs.

Matthews Also Practices

Meanwhile, superstar Auston Matthews also participated in practice after sitting out for a couple of days due to an 'upper-body issue.' Coach Berube maintained that Matthews’ ailment is not serious, ensuring fans that he would be ready for the upcoming games.

Tavares' Injury Update

However, the Maple Leafs were dealt a blow with the news that captain John Tavares, alongside Calle Jarnkrok and Alex Steeves, would miss practice and are considered day-to-day due to lower-body injuries. Tavares, 34, experienced significant pain after a collision with Montreal’s Michael Pezzetta, choosing to play through discomfort but eventually taking the night off at the coach's discretion.

Tavares' Reflection on Injury

'I'm fine, but it got really stiff during the game,' Tavares said, narrating the experience of the injury. He concluded last season with 29 goals and 65 points in 80 games, contributing significantly to the Leafs' success.

More Injury Updates

In further injury news, Jarnkrok has yet to make his mark in the preseason due to ongoing issues, while Steeves last played in a game against the Ottawa Senators, where he scored in just over 12 minutes of play. Additionally, defenseman Dakota Mermis is now on a week-to-week recovery following jaw surgery.

Injury Trends Across the NHL

It wasn't just a busy day for the Maple Leafs—around the NHL, other teams are grappling with player injuries too. The Calgary Flames noted that Matt Coronato, Martin Pospisil, and defenseman Jake Bean are sidelined with lower-body injuries, while the Montreal Canadiens' Oliver Kapanen took a therapy day after a promising start to his preseason.

Other NHL Developments

In a surprising move, the Pittsburgh Penguins have released Nikolai Knyzhov from his professional tryout, and the Detroit Red Wings are preparing for their upcoming clash against the Chicago Blackhawks with some new line configurations.

Looking Ahead

As the preseason heats up, fans will be anxiously awaiting updates on these star players and their recovery efforts. Will the Maple Leafs overcome these challenges to compete fiercely in the upcoming season? One thing's for sure: the drama is just beginning! Stay tuned for all the latest news and updates from the NHL.