Toronto Maple Leafs forward William Nylander has been fined $5,000 by the NHL for making an inappropriate gesture toward a broadcast camera during a game against the Colorado Avalanche. The 29-year-old, sidelined by a groin injury, was in the press box when the incident occurred on January 25, 2026. Nylander has apologized twice for the action, citing frustration.
The National Hockey League announced on January 26, 2026, that Toronto Maple Leafs forward William Nylander was fined $5,000—the maximum allowable under the collective bargaining agreement—for violating the league's policy on inappropriate and offensive behavior. The incident took place during the Maple Leafs' 4-1 home loss to the Colorado Avalanche on January 25, marking their fourth straight defeat. Nylander, who has not played since January 15 due to a groin injury, was watching from the press box alongside teammates Chris Tanev, Dakota Joshua, Calle Jarnkrok, and Philippe Myers.
NHL Senior Vice President of Player Safety George Parros explained the violation: “Nylander directed an inappropriate gesture at a television camera operator while the camera was directed at Mr. Nylander and his teammates in the press box. The gesture was shown live on-air during the game broadcast. This serves as a reminder the code of conduct governing Players extends throughout the arena at NHL games and in public game situations.” The gesture involved Nylander flipping his middle finger at the camera while smiling, as confirmed by multiple reports.
Nylander apologized immediately after the game via an Instagram Stories post and again on Monday to reporters. “I was sitting there and got a text message. I was like, ‘Oh, not a good idea. Not a good thing to do.’ But like I said, I apologize about that,” he said, attributing the action to frustration. The fine proceeds will go to the Players’ Emergency Assistance Fund.
This is not the first such incident in NHL history. In 2011, Boston Bruins defenseman Andrew Ference was fined $2,500 for raising his middle finger toward Montreal fans after scoring in a playoff game. Despite the off-ice mishap, Nylander remains a key contributor for the Maple Leafs, with 17 goals and 31 assists in 37 games this season.
