Urgency: William Nylander, a Maple Leafs standout, was involved in an accident that resulted in…

Even if he is unable to play in Game 4 of the Toronto Maple Leafs’ Eastern Conference first-round series against the Boston Bruins, William Nylander is still vital to the team.

The Maple Leafs trail the Bruins 2-1 when they meet them on Saturday at 8 p.m. ET. They have only scored six goals in the series.

With 40 goals and 98 points at the end of the regular season, Nylander finished third among all Toronto players in playoff points from 2016–17. With eight points in seven games during the 2021 playoffs, he led the Maple Leafs in scoring.

Nylander did not miss a single game during the regular season; but, following the last regular-season game, he woke up the following morning with a problem that needed to be fixed. After missing the first three postseason games, he developed a “very stiff” reputation.

Joshua Kloke of The Athletic reports that Nylander appeared comfortable during Toronto’s entire Friday practice. After that, though, Nylander would not confirm the nature of his injury or his likelihood of playing on Saturday.

“Look, that’s just personal,” he remarked, describing the specifics of his problem. “Well, I won’t get into it now.”

What role does he play in the upcoming game?

Nylander remarked, “I’m not sure; let’s see.”

On Friday, Nylander did not say much, but at least he was communicating. He has never before discussed his predicament with the public.

Sheldon Keefe, the coach of the Maple Leafs, understandably declined to go further.

“I thought he looked good on the ice,” Keefe remarked. “We need to discuss his circumstances tomorrow.”

Finally, Nylander said, “It’s been tough for you to miss these first playoff games after playing the entire season.” Now is the ideal moment to enjoy yourself. I should hopefully be back shortly.

That’s exactly what the other Maple Leafs hope to happen.