Maple Leafs’ William Nylander gets his game on with PlayStation
Before William Nylander hits the ice, he goes through a rigorous pre-game schedule that doesn’t involve a video game controller. So, when the Toronto Maple Leafs forward hears that some team members of the Blue Jays baseball club use video games to scout on-field opponents, he looks genuinely surprised.
Most gamers love playing sports video games so they can live out their athletic fantasies in the virtual world. Turns out games like MLB The Show, NBA2K, and NHL 25 can help give real-life players an assist when they suit up to play.
The 2025 4 Nations Face-Off is just days away, but Nylander, who will play for his beloved Sweden in the tournament, seems intrigued by the prospect of running through a few schemes on his Sony PlayStation before lacing up his skates.
“That’s interesting. I never thought about doing that,” he chuckles during a recent interview when I ask him about integrating NHL 25 into his game-day routine. “I’ll have to give that a try.”
Last month, Nylander, who has notched 33 goals and 22 assists for the Maple Leafs so far this season, joined the PlayStation Playmakers program, which has featured the likes of Toronto Raptors stars Scottie Barnes and RJ Barrett, Washington Mystics forward Aaliyah Edwards, basketball great LeBron James, and Stranger Things star Finn Wolfhard, among others.
The program brings together notable names from the worlds of sport and culture to help PlayStation users “stay sharp, positive, and at the top of their game.”
To celebrate the partnership, Nylander appears alongside Toronto Sceptres forward Sarah Nurse in a new ad that shows the two local superstars engaging in a game of road hockey with a group of kids.
For the son of former NHLer Michael Nylander, gaming has been a way to stay in touch with friends all over the world. “Growing up, I played a lot of Call of Duty … It was a way to connect with friends,” the Calgary-born Swede says. “I’ve got friends in different places. Playing video games with them was always to keep connected.”
Playing NHL 25 nowadays is a way he forges a bond with his younger cousins. “It’s always fun to have them over (to his offseason home in Sweden). Or when I’m here (in Toronto), to get on and play some NHL with them,” he smiles.
As he gets ready for the 4 Nations Face-Off next week, Nylander, 28, spoke to the Toronto Sun about how PlayStation plays a part in his life and his favorite moments as a Leaf.
When asked about who the biggest gamer in the clubhouse is, Nylander mentioned Mitch Marner. He also shared his thoughts on his likeness in NHL 25, saying that it was awesome and very accurate. Nylander also revealed that he enjoys playing Call of Duty with his buddies and that he hasn’t played NHL 25 against strangers.
Nylander’s favorite memory as a Leaf so far is getting drafted, and he hopes to create more memorable moments in Toronto. On his off-days, Nylander enjoys getting some rest, having a nice breakfast or lunch, and playing video games with his friends if everyone is available.
When it comes to entertainment, Nylander enjoys watching shows like Severance and Silo, and he is a fan of actors like Tom Hardy. He also listens to a variety of music genres to get hyped up before hitting the ice, including The Weeknd, Drake, Blink 182, 50 Cent, and country music.
In terms of fashion, Nylander believes that Auston Matthews has the best game-day fit on the team. With his unique blend of gaming, sports, and entertainment interests, Nylander continues to be a standout player both on and off the ice.
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