Toronto Maple Leafs forward William Nylander has been fined $5,000 by the NHL for an obscene gesture made during Sunday's game against the Colorado Avalanche. The incident occurred while Nylander was watching the game from the press box at Scotiabank Arena, alongside teammates Chris Tanev, Dakota Joshua, Calle Jarnkrok, and Philippe Myers, as he is currently sidelined with a groin injury. During the game broadcast, the camera focused on Nylander, who then flashed the middle finger. The Maple Leafs were trailing 3-0 in the third period at the time of the gesture, and ultimately lost the game 4-1.
The NHL announced the fine on Monday, stating that Nylander’s actions violated the league's policy prohibiting inappropriate and offensive remarks and gestures. According to NHL Senior Vice President of Player Safety, George Parros, Nylander "directed an inappropriate gesture at a television camera operator while the camera was directed at Mr. Nylander and his teammates in the press box". Parros also emphasized that the league's code of conduct extends throughout the arena at NHL games.
Nylander's gesture occurred during a game marketed as a "Next Gen Game," aimed at attracting younger fans. The timing of the incident was particularly unfortunate, given the Maple Leafs' struggles, as they have lost six of their last seven games and are currently outside of a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. Without Nylander, who is the team's leading scorer with 48 points (17 goals, 31 assists), the Maple Leafs have won only one of the five games he has missed.
Shortly after the incident, Nylander issued an apology via his Instagram Story, expressing remorse for his actions. "Only love for Leafs Nation," Nylander wrote. "Sorry about my moment of frustration today! Didn't mean to upset anyone. looking forward to being back on the ice and not in the stands. love willy". He further commented on the situation on Monday, stating he received a text message immediately after the gesture telling him it was "not a good idea" and reiterated his apology.
Despite the apology, the NHL reviewed the incident and decided to impose a fine. TSN's Chris Johnston reported that the league was looking into the matter, potentially leading to disciplinary action. Ultimately, the league determined that a $5,000 fine was the appropriate punishment, the maximum allowable under the Collective Bargaining Agreement. The money from the fine will go to the Players' Emergency Assistance Fund.
This incident adds to a rocky patch for both Nylander and the Maple Leafs. While Nylander has resumed skating, there is no confirmed timeline for his return to the lineup. The team hopes to put this incident behind them as they aim to improve their standing in the Eastern Conference playoff race. In 2011, Andrew Ference was also fined $2,500 for making a similar obscene gesture during a game.
