The younger sisters of William Nylander brought out their phones to record the incident as it happened at the intersection of Hamngatan and Regeringsgatan streets.
They had to dart in and out of the crowd with their arms raised to record a video, then turn the corner and giggle in shock. Their brother was the major draw, even though it was below freezing and the surrounding streets were lined with upscale retail establishments. Around two blocks, hundreds of people had gathered to sign autographs with the Toronto Maple Leafs winger.
Nylander has said time and time again that seeing family in Stockholm was his favorite aspect of the trip. But on Saturday afternoon, following practice and a quick meeting with members of his family, fans may claim that seeing that amiable, easygoing brother was their favorite part of the NHL’s Global Series.
Athletes like Nylander frequently do autograph signings, but they’re not usually as highly attended. The effortless grace and dazzling smile Nylander always welcomed each admirer with are equally uncommon.
“Are you from Toronto?” Nylander questioned a single fan base. And you traveled to Sweden in full? That is really lovely.
Nylander had the opportunity to spend the afternoon with his sisters, whom he doesn’t get to see very often during the season. Furthermore, he could be pardoned for being weary from the demands and days spent in the spotlight in Stockholm.
Rather, his excitement was rather evident.
Greetings from Sweden from the William Nylander show.
Rasmus Sandin, a fellow Swede and former teammate, described him as “one of those guys: Sometimes it can be nerve-wracking or it can feel like a big responsibility.” Willy, though, is just going to have fun. He simply follows the current. This trip to Sweden will be among his greatest adventures to yet.
William Nylander’s formation: born in Canada, brought up all over the world, and raised permanently in Sweden
With a 16-game point streak to begin the season under his belt and a demeanor of both genuine gratitude and bravado when it comes to the spotlight, Nylander’s week in Sweden will go down in professional history as the moment that truly solidified his place as an NHL great.
Among other NHL players, his visage has appeared the largest in advertising materials distributed all across Stockholm. His teammates were dwarfed by the roars and acclaim he received before his introduction when he touched the puck, and when his play in the Leafs’ Friday night victory over the Detroit Red Wings turned the ice on its head.
They were noises only the biggest names in the game could make. It’s also likely time to start discussing Nylander alongside the NHL’s top players at this point.
In all honesty, Nylander hasn’t always heard those sounds in a career where he has occasionally been eclipsed by his colleagues.
The finest player in Leaf’s history and undoubtedly the best overall is Auston Matthews. Playmakers can’t do what childhood fan Mitch Marner can do on the ice. The native son who returned home to become captain is John Tavares.
According to former Leafs defenseman Carl Gunnarsson, “A couple of years ago, (Nylander) was an add-on, a side dish.” However, that is evolving.