The Maple Leafs are trailing the Bruins 2-1 heading into their 8 p.m. ET game on Saturday. They have only scored six goals in the series.

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

Nylander did not miss any games throughout the regular season, but following the last regular-season match, he woke up the next morning with a problem that needed to be addressed. Since then, he has been “pretty stiff” and has missed the first three playoff games.

Joshua Kloke of The Athletic reports that Nylander appeared relaxed during Toronto’s entire practice on Friday. After that, though, Nylander would not confirm the nature of his injury or declare with certainty if he would be able to play on Saturday.

“Look, that’s just personal,” he stated in reference to the specifics of his problem. “So I’m not going to get into that.”

What role will he have in Game 4?

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

On Friday, Nylander was speaking at least, even though he was not saying anything. This is the first time he has spoken to the public about his predicament.

Naturally, Sheldon Keefe, the coach of the Maple Leafs, refrained from providing any additional details.

“I thought he looked good on the ice,” Keefe remarked. “In terms of his status, we’ll have to address that tomorrow.”

At last, Nylander said, “It’s been difficult for you to miss these first playoff games after playing the entire season.” Now is the moment to engage in play. I’ll hopefully be back shortly.”

That’s certainly what the other Maple Leafs hope.