Intimitated

Amazing achievement 💙💛 This is the translated interview from Hockeypuls

29-year-old William Nylander has long been considered one of Sweden's best ice hockey players. A staple on Team Sweden (Tre Kronor) and a given star on the Toronto Maple Leafs.

In recent seasons, he’s come close to winning the Guldpucken (Golden Puck) multiple times—always just missing the mark.

But this year, after a season where he scored 45 goals and finished second in the NHL’s goal-scoring race, he finally receives the award for the first time.

“It’s a very special feeling. Maybe it’s always been a quiet goal in the back of my mind—to try and be Sweden’s best player. I really appreciate that you chose me for this, especially since we have so many good Swedish hockey players.”

The news of his 2025 Guldpucken win was delivered by none other than his father Michael Nylander, who himself enjoyed a 15-year NHL career.

“It was actually him who texted me that I had won Guldpucken,” William shares, glancing down at the trophy. “It’s cool. It’s nice. It’s heavy—the trophy itself. It’ll get a spot on a shelf at home.”

Finishing second in the NHL goal race is a rare feat among Swedish players. Only two others—Mats Sundin in 2002 and Markus Näslund in 2003—have placed that high in the scoring charts.

“The season just flew by. The whole time I was pumped for the Four Nations, that was an incredible experience. Then came the playoffs, which ended in disappointment in Game 7 (against Florida). That was tough—but then I had to recharge and head to the World Championship. You’ve got to stay positive and see the good in it: we managed to win a bronze.”

What’s behind your transformation into such a sharp shooter in recent years? You’re the first Swede since Markus Näslund in the early 2000s to score over 40 goals in three straight seasons.

“I don’t really know, I play with good players. I can’t say exactly what it is, but maybe I’ve gotten a bit hungrier to score goals. Before, maybe I passed the puck first, but... I don’t really know. It just kind of happened, I think.”

After a summer largely spent in southern France, Nylander is now back home in Stockholm—his base, as he puts it.

It’s where he plans to put down roots when his career is over—even though he’s lived longer in Toronto.

“Yeah, 100 percent. This is home. Toronto is home in a different way. I love being in both places. I’ve seen Toronto as home for ten years—it’s the longest I’ve ever lived in one place in my life. But here in Stockholm I have all my family and friends, so I love coming back to see them. And of course, I love Stockholm. It’s a wonderful city and just feels good to be in Sweden.”

You turn 30 next year. Have you started thinking about starting a family and having kids? Is that something you want?

“I’ve always known I want kids and a family, but it’ll happen when it happens. I’m in no rush, but I hope it happens one day. When it does, it does.”

Guldpucken 2025, the 2017 World Championship gold, and the 2023 Global Series in Stockholm—these are, according to William, the biggest highlights of his career so far.

Next season, he hopes to add a Stanley Cup.

And of course—a gold medal at the Olympics with Tre Kronor.

“I always know what it means to represent Sweden internationally—it’s a special feeling to put on that jersey and play alongside the best Swedes in the world. We have so many incredibly talented players, and just that fact gets you super hyped.” “And I’ve never experienced the Olympics—that makes it even more special. Milan is a cool city and everything surrounding it will be a lot of fun. I’m insanely excited,” says Sweden’s best hockey player of 2025.

Jury’s Motivation – William Nylander, 2025:

“With his individual brilliance and unparalleled feel for the game, William Nylander secured second place in the NHL goal-scoring race with 45 goals—a feat only two other Swedes have previously achieved. Nylander has become a clear-cut star in the NHL and a fan favorite with the Toronto Maple Leafs, the only club he has represented in the league. This past season, he also helped lead Team Sweden to a bronze medal on home soil and participated in the Four Nations in February, where the best players in the world gathered. Nylander’s flair, technique, composure, and ability to perform at high speed make him not only a special player—these qualities have crowned him Sweden’s best hockey player of the 2024/2025 season, as he receives Guldpucken for the first time in his career from Expressen and the Swedish Ice Hockey Association.”

Craig Berube was on this podcast a couple of days ago (Riley Cote is a former Philly player and Derek Settlemyer was head equipment manager who spent years with the Flyers as well). He spoke highly of JT, Auston and Mitch starting at the 29:00 minute mark or so. Spoke well of Scotty Laughton too.

Him giving his account of dealing with Willy though - it was pretty funny. Excerpt above.

Closing remarks from Berube about Willy: "What a beauty. Oh yeah - he's always has an answer for somethin'."