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Winter Olympian Sparks Outrage with Shocking On-Air Incident – What Did They Do?

Winter Olympian Sparks Outrage with Shocking On-Air Incident – What Did They Do?

William Nylander’s recent gesture toward a TV camera during a Toronto Maple Leafs game wasn’t just a fleeting act of frustration—it swiftly turned into a costly and viral moment ahead of his duties with Sweden at the upcoming Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics. Sitting out due to a groin injury and visibly agitated during Toronto’s loss to the Colorado Avalanche, Nylander’s pointed middle finger caught more than just attention; it resulted in a $5,000 fine from the NHL. While the league underscored the importance of maintaining professionalism in all public arenas, Nylander himself expressed regret, promising to channel his energy back on the ice rather than from the stands. With Sweden gearing up as one of the favorites in Olympic hockey and fans eagerly awaiting the return of NHL players to the international stage after a decade, this incident adds a spicy subplot to the mix. LEARN MORE

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William Nylander of the Toronto Maple Leafs flipped the bird to a TV camera on Sunday, earning a $5,000 fine and a viral reminder of his behavior before he plays for Sweden in the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics.

Nylander, out with a groin injury, sat with other scratched teammates when a TSN camera focused on them during Toronto’s 4-1 home loss to the Colorado Avalanche.

Nylander extended his middle finger in front of his face and smiled. The replay quickly circulated on social media.

pic.twitter.com/be70R2GuX0

— Gino Hard (@GinoHard_) January 25, 2026

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Leafs players in the press box realized they were on the tv broadcast and William Nylander flipped the bird? 😭 pic.twitter.com/be70R2GuX0

— Gino Hard (@GinoHard_) January 25, 2026

“Only love for leafs nation,” he wrote hours later in an Instagram Story. “Sorry about my moment of frustration today! didn’t mean to upset anyone. looking forward to being back on the ice and not in the stands.”

The NHL wasn’t quite as chirpy in announcing the fine on Monday.

“This serves as a reminder [that] the code of conduct governing Players extends throughout the arena at NHL games and in public game situations,” NHL Senior Vice President of Player Safety George Parros said.

As of Tuesday afternoon, Nylander, a winger, led the team in points with 48 (17 goals, 31 assists). He has returned to team practice.

Sweden begins play in the Winter Games on Feb. 11 against host Italy as NHL players return to Olympic competition for the first time since 2014.

Sweden was the third betting favorite behind the United States and top pick Canada, according to FanDuel.

William Nylander, pictured warming up for a game earlier this season, gave his middle finger a workout in a TV moment that cost him $5,000.
William Nylander, pictured warming up for a game earlier this season, gave his middle finger a workout in a TV moment that cost him $5,000.
Michael Chisholm via Getty Images
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