William Nylander is one of the Toronto Maple Leafs’ most dynamic forwards and one of Sweden’s top hockey stars
Away from the ice, fans have long asked about his love life, especially rumored former partner Penny Liarakos.
This updated guide clarifies what’s known, lays out a tidy relationship timeline and adds thehockey news on Nylander including his eight-year extension, recent production, and how the Leafs plan to use him this season.
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Table of Contents
Personal Life of William Nylander
Despite his Canadian citizenship, William spent the majority of his childhood in the United States due to his father’s job. His father was a member of the Calgary Flames and a hockey player.
Because his father, Michael, played for several NHL teams, the family spent a lot of time in the United States.
Nonetheless, he would travel to Sweden during the summers. William’s family decided to relocate to Sweden and make a permanent home there when he was 14 years old.
what a tennis match
— William Nylander (@wmnylander) September 11, 2021
When it comes to heart issues, Willian Nylander has not been forgotten. Philippa Soderberg‘s beauty had captured his attention, and he couldn’t get her out of his head.
Before he knew it, he was madly in love with her. They’ve been dating for a while and are having a great time. Although it is unknown when they started dating or how long they have been together, their love is genuine.
Professional Career
William started out as a hockey player. He started his career with the New York Rangers, a minor league ice hockey team. For the first time, he competed in the Quebec International Pee-Wee Hockey Tournament.
On February 14, 2013, he played with Sodertalje SK alongside his father Michael to celebrate Valentine’s Day. This was his first Allsvenskan season. He has had a successful career since then.
William Nylander’s Net Worth
Not all athletes are bestowed with accolades and honours, but William is one of them.
He has received numerous awards and recognitions, including the IIHF World Championship MVP, Rookie of the Month, and AHL All-Star Classic, among others.
Penny Liarakos, William Nylander Girlfriend
William Nylander’s girlfriend, Penny Liarakos, is going on a family vacation.
Penny Liarakos and his family went on a family vacation.
His brother Alex shared the photos. The athlete worked hard to keep his personal life out of the spotlight.
On August 4, 2021, Maple Leafs winger shared a photo on his verified Instagram of himself walking a dog alongside a blonde woman. Fans asked who the lady was as the photo was taken from behind, but William did not respond.
In addition, fans have spotted and photographed William and Penny several times. A video of them attending an event was recently shared on Tumblr. In addition, the player’s girlfriend was tagged in an Instagram photo by a friend on her birthday.
However, no accounts were found when searching for a specific username on the site.
He has not followed Nylander on the image-sharing platform, according to his following list. However, some Tumblr users claimed that the athlete’s brother Alex had followed her.
However, if she had been tagged while uploading the vacation photo, it would have been easier for people to learn about her.
Playing career
Nylander represented the New York Rangers minor ice hockey team in the 2009 Quebec International Pee-Wee Hockey Tournament.
Nylander made his Allsvenskan debut on February 14, 2013. In his first professional game, he assisted Robert Carlsson’s goal for Södertälje SK, alongside his father Michael Nylander.
Nylander finished his rookie season in the Swedish Hockey League (SHL) with a successful 22-game stint, playing up to 20 minutes per night. He was a top prospect in the 2014.
NHL Entry Draft, and the Toronto Maple Leafs selected him eighth overall. Nylander was praised for his offensive ability and puck-moving abilities, but his defensive game and then-small stature were criticised.
At the draught combine, he stood 5 feet 9 inches (175 cm) tall and weighed 169 pounds (77 kg; 12 st 1 lb).
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International Career
Despite being born in Canada, the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) ruled on November 12, 2012, that Nylander was eligible to represent Sweden in international play.
He went on to represent Sweden at the 2013 World U-17 Hockey Challenge, where he led his team to a gold medal with a tournament-high eight assists.
Nylander was the tournament’s standout player, winning the scoring race with 16 points in 7 games at the 2014 IIHF World U18 Championships.
Nylander made his senior team debut during Sweden’s gold-medal winning season at the 2017 IIHF World Championship. He was named tournament MVP after leading his team in scoring with 14 points in 10 games.
Career Statistics Of William Nylander
He made his ice hockey debut as a child with the New York Rangers minor hockey team at the 2009 Quebec International Pee-Wee Hockey Tournament.
The player made his Allsvenskan debut on February 14, 2013, alongside his father, Michael. He had a strong interest in hockey and found it easy to adapt to the game.
And, he finished his rookie season in the Swedish Hockey League, SHL, with a 22-game winning streak. He was rated as a top prospect in the 2014 NHL Entry Draft before being selected eighth by the Toronto Maple Leafs.
He was drafted in the 2014 NHL Entry Draft by the Toronto Maple Leafs after spending time in the minor leagues.
However, he made his NHL debut in 2016 and scored his first goal, assisted by Brooks Laich, against Senators Andre Hammond.
The player made the Maple Leafs’ full-time roster the following season, debuting alongside Zach Hyman and Auston Matthews in the season opener against the Ottawa Senators in October 2016. Following his impressive performances, William Nylander reportedly signed a six-year, $45 million contract extension with Toronto.
Since his debut, William Nylander’s accolades have been commendable, as he has demonstrated nothing but consistency in his career.
Facts About William Nylander
- William Nylander’s age 23 years old.
- Birthday May 1, 1996.
- Birth Sign Taurus.
- He was chosen to represent Sweden at the 2017 IHF World Hockey Championship for his sixth time in his career.
Quick Facts of William Nylander
| Full Name | William Nylander |
| Nick Name: | William Andrew Michael Junior Nylander Alterius |
| Birth Place: | Calgary Alberta, Canada |
| Date Of Birth: | 1st May 1996 |
| Age: | 25 years old |
| Height: | 183 cm 6′ 0″ |
| Weight: | 80 Kg
176 lbs |
| Eye Color: | Blue |
| Hair Color: | Brown |
| Parents Name: | Father: Michael Nylander Mother: Camilla Nylander |
| Siblings: | Jacqueline, Alexander, William, Daniella, Michelle and Stephanie |
| Nationality: | Canadian |
| Zodiac Sign: | Taurus |
| Gender: | Male |
| Sexual Orientation: | Straight |
| Marital Status: | In a relationship |
| Girlfriend: | Philippa Soderberg |
| Profession: | Professional ice hockey player |
| Net Worth: | $10 Million |
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Frequently Asked Questions
1) Who is William Nylander’s girlfriend now?
No public confirmation as of 2025. Several outlets list him as single, he keeps his private life out of the spotlight.
2) Did William Nylander date Penny Liarakos?
He has been linked to Penny Liarakos in fan and lifestyle coverage. Details remain unverified by Nylander.
Timelines commonly cited are 2018–2023. 1
3) Is Nylander still with the Maple Leafs?
Yes. He signed an eight-year, $92M extension that began in 2024–25.
4) What were Nylander’s numbers the last two seasons?
2023–24: 98 points. 2024–25: 45 goals, 84 points. 2
5) What’s the latest talk around his role for 2025–26?
Debate continues about playing him with Auston Matthews on the top line; internal options are being weighed during camp.3
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