More than a month after his last American Hockey League game, Toronto Maple Leafs prospects William Nylander is set to make his return to the Marlies lineup versus the Grand Rapids Griffins on Friday.
Nylander, selected eighth overall in the 2014 NHL Draft, last suited up for the Marlies on Dec. 18.
He suffered a concussion while playing for Sweden at the world juniors. And, as he revealed to Marlies broadcaster Todd Crocker, Nylander also dealt with a bout of appendicitis after completing the concussion protocol.
“I’m really excited. Been a month off on vacation, so I mean I’m ready to get back at it,” Nylander told Marlies TV prior to Friday’s game in Grand Rapids.
“I went through concussion protocol and that went by pretty quickly. Once I started to get back on the ice, was on the ice for a week, I basically came back ... and had appendicitis. Then I was out for a couple of days, they gave me antibiotics and stuff, so it’s been a little of a delay with the return.”
To be clear, Nylander had appendicitis did not have an appendectomy. No surgery was required. #marlieslive #tmltalk
— Todd Crocker (@ToddCrocker) January 29, 2016
The Marlies also play Saturday at home against the Binghamton Senators.
Sheldon Keefe confirms @snizzbone William Nylander is back in tonite v GR #TMLtalk #MarliesLive pic.twitter.com/3R3J8LijUp
— Todd Crocker (@ToddCrocker) January 29, 2016
In 27 games with the Marlies this season, Nylander has 14 goals and 34 points.