STOCKHOLM, SWEDEN - With the 2025 IIHF men's World Championship elimination rounds set to begin on Thursday, Team Sweden received a grand surprise: the presence of William Nylander. 

Nylander arrived in Stockholm, Sweden, just a few days after the Toronto Maple Leafs' crushing playoff defeat to the Florida Panthers. 

While Nylander's arrival surprised many in the media, given his pride in his country, it was no surprise to members of Team Sweden.

"No, not really," Rasmus Andersson said. "He's from Stockholm, he's a local kid… He seems like he's in good spirits, and he's excited to be here."

This will mark Nylander's fourth appearance at the World Championship, and it will be extra special this year as he gets to play in front of the hometown fans.

Sweden will face off against Team Czechia in the quarterfinals, and Nylander adds a totally new element to this matchup.

Maybe the Maple Leafs are known for their post-season failures and shrinking during the most important moments, but Nylander's reputation is the opposite. 

The 29-year-old right winger elevates his game when the lights are brighter and the stage is bigger. 

"He has that swagger, and he's a hell of a hockey player,"  Andersson said. "You always see quotes from him that the stage is never too big. It feels like he's been a really good player for a long time, and he's dealt with the pressure really well."

World Championship Quarterfinals Are Set, With Key NHL Players Leading The Way The preliminary round is over at the 2025 IIHF men’s World Championship, and the quarterfinals of the tournament are set for Thursday, May 22.

After practice on Thursday, where Nylander was present, Sweden coach Sam Hallam did not confirm if he would play in the quarterfinal.

"I mean, there are no guarantees, but we know he loves to play hockey, and the opportunity to play in Stockholm for a national team doesn't occur that often," Hallam said of Nylander. "You never know the player's status physically after a tough series like that, but he felt fresh and ready to go."

They call him 'Willy Styles' for a reason. He's cool, calm, and collected at all times while he plays the game in such a flashy manner that has fans on the edge of their seat. 

Just Nylander's presence alone will boost Sweden on the ice and from a mental standpoint. 

"He has a swagger on the ice, he has a calmness, and kindness in the group," Hallam said. "He affects both the locker room and the game on the ice in a good way."

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