Maple Leafs Star William Nylander Embraces Toronto as Home
Toronto Maple Leafs winger William Nylander has spent more than ten years living in Canada's largest city, and during that time he has developed a deep appreciation for what Toronto has to offer. The 29-year-old forward, drafted by the Leafs in 2014, now considers himself something of an expert on experiencing the best of urban life in the bustling metropolis.
"I love Toronto. This is home for me," Nylander told the Toronto Sun in an exclusive interview. "I haven't been anywhere this long. It's an amazing city." Born in Calgary when his father played for the Flames, Nylander has fully embraced being part of Toronto's community, frequently getting out to enjoy everything from walking his dogs to shopping at local malls.
Nylander's Toronto Recommendations
When American Express recently asked him to highlight some favorite local businesses, Nylander was eager to share his insights. During an early-evening video call, the hockey star provided a detailed guide to his preferred spots around the city.
For dining experiences, Nylander recommended several establishments:
- Quetzal for elevated Mexican cuisine
- Sotto Sotto and Giulietta for Italian fare
- Joso's and Manita for date night options, particularly with Valentine's Day approaching
Interestingly, when it comes to pizza recommendations, Nylander admitted he might not be the best source. "I don't really eat too much pizza to be honest, so I can't give you an honest answer on that one," he said with a laugh.
Life Beyond Hockey
Nylander's connection to Toronto extends far beyond the ice rink. He enjoys walking his dogs, Pablo and Banksy, along the Rosedale Valley Trail and takes them to a local groomer called The Dogfather. "It's nice to be able to support a local business like that, and it's really close to where I live," he noted.
The forward also shared his shopping preferences, mentioning Garrison for suits and Bottega Veneta as a current favorite brand. For casual shopping, he frequents Bloor Street or Yorkdale Mall, simply popping into different stores as he explores.
Game Day Routines and Personal Interests
Despite his professional athletic career, Nylander maintains a relatively relaxed approach to game day preparations. "I have routine, I guess," he explained regarding superstitions. "But there isn't too much that I think about. I don't worry if I forget to do something." His pre-game meal varies between pasta and Chipotle, and he always takes his dogs for a walk on game days.
Regarding the NHL's relaxed dress code, Nylander praised teammates Auston Matthews and fellow Swedes Oliver Ekman-Larsson and Calle Järnkrok for their style. His own approach to game-day fashion is straightforward: "I just go into my closet and throw some stuff on."
Entertainment Preferences and Reflections
Nylander's entertainment tastes have evolved slightly over time. While he still enjoys music from Drake, The Weeknd, Blink-182, and country artists, he has recently become more of a podcast enthusiast, regularly listening to Joe Rogan, Lex Friedman, and Shawn Ryan.
For movies and television, he recently watched Avatar and expressed interest in seeing Marty Supreme. He was a fan of Stranger Things, stating "I thought it was great" about the series finale, despite some fan criticism.
Reflecting on his journey from a young hockey prospect to an established NHL star, Nylander believes his younger self would be "pretty amazed" at where he has ended up. With 48 points this season despite injuries, his focus remains clear: "Just need to win a Cup. That's all."
Now in his 11th season with the Maple Leafs, William Nylander has not only become a key player for the team but also a genuine Toronto enthusiast who actively participates in and supports the local community that has become his home.
