Maple Leafs’ William Nylander takes talents to video game realm with PlayStation

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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 favourite moments as a Leaf.

Who’s the biggest gamer in the clubhouse?

Probably Mitchy (Marner). Mitchy plays the most. But we have a couple of guys that play and they’re all pretty good. The game we play the most is Call of Duty.

What do you think of your likeness in NHL 25?

It’s awesome. I think they do an incredible job of facial stuff and everything is pretty on point there. They do a tremendous job.

Do you get on there and play with strangers?

Not so much. I don’t really do that. But when you’re playing Call of Duty, you’re playing with your buddies and you’re playing against strangers. That happens from time to time. But I haven’t played NHL 25 against strangers.

So when you play Call of Duty, are you chirping the other players?

I’m not really a chirper. I let my buddies do the chirping. It’s more fun listening to them.

Give me three emojis to describe your gameplay in NHL 25?

I’m bad with emojis, but I’m having a good time, so there would be a smiley face for sure.

You’ve been with Toronto for a decade. What’s your favourite memory as a Leaf so far?

I would think it would be going all the way back to the draft and getting drafted is probably one of my favourite memories. Then, hopefully, there are some bigger memories that we’ll create here in the city of Toronto.

I always wonder what you guys do on your off-days. 

A day-off is a sleep-in day. Get some rest. Wake up, have a nice breakfast or lunch. Have some sort of treatment. Depending on the day, I might jump on and play some video games with my buddies if everybody’s available to play. Other than that, it’s just take the dogs out for walks and get some rest.

I normally cover entertainment. We’re in the midst of awards season. What’s your favourite movie, favourite actor and the last thing you streamed?

I watched Severance and Silo and those are pretty cool shows. Movies … Favourite actor … I love Tom Hardy. The Dune movies are great with Zendaya and Timothee (Chalamet).

What music gets you hyped up before you hit the ice?

I’m a little bit all over the place with what I’m listening to right now. I listen to a lot of The Weeknd. I love The Weeknd. I love Drake. But I’ve been going old school and listening to Blink 182 and some 50 Cent. Then I love country, too. Country music has grown on me since coming over from Sweden.

I do love seeing what you guys are wearing when you make your way into Scotiabank Arena on game day. Who’s got the best game-day fit?

Auston (Matthews). I think Auston has got some great, great style for sure.

mdaniell@postmedia.com