Toronto Maple Leafs star William Nylander spoke to the media Friday for the first time since the playoffs started but didn't provide any information about what's kept him out of the lineup for the opening three games.
"Look, that's just personal, so I'm not going to get into that," Nylander told reporters, including Sportsnet's Luke Fox.
He added: "It is what it is. There's nothing to really stress about. You can't force yourself back in, so I'll be ready when I'm ready."
Nylander's absence is reportedly due to a severe migraine that prompted Toronto's medical staff to test him for a concussion. The 27-year-old played in all 82 games for the Maple Leafs this season but was a surprise omission from the Game 1 lineup against the Boston Bruins and hasn't played since.
He's been skating throughout the series and was a full participant in Friday's practice on a line with Pontus Holmberg and Calle Jarnkrok, per Fox. Toronto has yet to confirm if Nylander will play in Game 4.
"Looked great to me on the ice," head coach Sheldon Keefe said.
Nylander's possible return Saturday would be a big boost for a struggling Maple Leafs attack that's managed only six goals in the series. He notched a career-high 98 points this season and has 40 points in 50 playoff contests with Toronto.
"I mean, the games are crazy to watch from home," Nylander said. "I've never been so nervous in my life."
The Maple Leafs trail the Bruins 2-1 in the first-round series and will look to snap a five-game losing streak in home playoff games on Saturday.
