William Nylander set for return to Marlies lineup

William Nylander left the game against Switzerland early on Saturday after taking what looked like a brutal hit to the head.

Toronto Maple Leafs prospect William Nylander will return to the lineup for the American Hockey League’s Toronto Marlies versus the Grand Rapids Griffins Friday.

Marlies head coach Sheldon Keefe announced that Nylander will suit up for the Marlies for the first time since December 18 following the club’s morning skate Friday.

Nylander suffered a concussion in Team Sweden’s opening game at the 2016 World Junior Championship when he was hit by Switzerland’s Chris Egli.

Nylander could have returned to the lineup sooner, but the 19-year-old forward revealed Friday that an appendicitis diagnosis kept him on the shelf longer than planned.

Before departing for the world juniors, Nylander led the AHL in scoring with 14 goals, 20 assists in 27 games.

The Marlies currently sit in first overall in the AHL with a 35-8-2 record.

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