Leafs’ Nylander will play vs. Canucks after being late for team meeting

Maple Leafs head coach Sheldon Keefe explains why they've decided to play William Nylander, instead of punishing him after he was late for a team meeting, and how circumstances have changed since their first thought.

Toronto Maple Leafs coach Sheldon Keefe says forward William Nylander will be in the team’s lineup for Tuesday’s game against the Vancouver Canucks despite being late for a meeting.

Sportsnet’s Chris Johnston reported Monday that the team was leaning toward holding the 24-year-old out of the game for disciplinary reasons.

Nylander just returned from a five-game absence after he self-reported a brief meeting with someone who later showed symptoms of having COVID-19.

The forward self-isolated and tested negative for nine straight days before returning to the lineup Sunday in Vancouver. He scored a goal and logged 21 minutes in the 3-2 overtime loss to the Canucks.

Nylander has 14 goals and 18 assists in 40 games on the season.

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