Is William Nylander playing tonight? Insider reveals Maple Leafs star's availability for Bruins playoff Game 1

Toronto Maple Leafs forward William Nylander's availability for Game 1 of the Eastern Conference first-round series against the Boston Bruins was in doubt in the days leading up to the clash.

Now, NHL insider Mark Masters has reported that Nylander will miss the first game due to an undisclosed injury.

"William Nylander is NOT on the ice for Leafs warm-up Star winger will miss Game 1 with an undisclosed injury," he said on X.

NHL insider Chris Johnston had previously reported on Nylander's sudden physical discomfort, which cast doubt on his availability for Game 1.

"It remains to be seen if William Nylander will be able to get himself to a spot physically where he can suit up for Game 1 in Boston tonight. This isn't an issue he was playing through down the stretch. He woke up Thursday in some discomfort."

Later updates from Johnston and fellow insider Darren Dreger continued to paint a picture of uncertainty, with Nylander's status remaining questionable as game time approached.

Johnston tweeted:

"Sheldon Keefe, asked what he can say about William Nylander's status for Game 1 tonight: "Nothing.""

Here's what Darren Dreger had to say:

Despite being present with the team, Nylander opted out of the final practice session before Game 1.

Coach Sheldon Keefe on William Nylander's status

Ahead of the game, coach Sheldon Keefe had kept the door open for Nylander to suit up but refused to provide a concrete update, aligning with general manager Brad Treliving's directive to keep injury updates under wraps as the postseason unfolds.

"Tree's made it pretty clear to me there's not going to be any daily injury updates or anything like that. Our guys are available, and that's it," Keefe said. (via Sportsnet)

Auston Matthews, Mitch Marner, and other forwards will have to step up for the Maple Leafs in Nylander's absence.

As puck drop approaches, all eyes will be on the ice to see how the Maple Leafs fare against the Bruins, without one of their key stars.