TORONTO MAPLE LEAFS STAR WILLIAM NYLANDER SHOCKS FANS BY ANNOUNCING ENGAGEMENT TO LONG-TIME GIRLFRIEND — WEDDING DATE SET, BIG PLANS REVEALED!
June 21, 2025 | Toronto, ON
In a stunning yet heartwarming announcement that’s taken fans by surprise, Toronto Maple Leafs forward William Nylander has revealed his engagement to longtime girlfriend, Emilia Svensson.
The couple, who have kept their relationship largely out of the public eye, shared the news late Friday evening through a joint Instagram post featuring a sunset proposal on the rocky coast of Gothenburg, Sweden — Nylander’s hometown.
“She said yes 💍❤️ Couldn’t be happier to start this next chapter with you,” Nylander captioned the photo, which showed him down on one knee with a sparkling diamond ring in hand. Emilia, beaming with joy, wore a light summer dress and held her hand over her heart in surprise.
Almost immediately, the hockey world lit up with reactions, from stunned fans to fellow NHL players sending in their congratulations.
“I had no idea he was going to propose this summer,” teammate Auston Matthews commented. “He kept it quiet, but we’re all incredibly happy for him. Emilia’s amazing — he’s a lucky guy.”
Sources close to the couple revealed that the wedding is set for July 26, 2026, and will take place at a private vineyard in southern Sweden, not far from the Nylander family’s summer estate.
The event is expected to be intimate but lavish, with a guest list including close friends, family, and a number of Nylander’s Leafs teammates.
Emilia Svensson, a 28-year-old interior designer originally from Malmö, met William in 2018 while he was recovering from a summer injury. The two bonded over their shared love of art, travel, and the Swedish countryside. Over the years, Emilia has occasionally been spotted at Scotiabank Arena but has largely stayed out of the media spotlight.
According to a close friend, Nylander planned the proposal for months. “He designed the ring himself,” the friend said. “He wanted it to have meaning — it’s a custom design that incorporates both of their birthstones on the inner band.”
Leafs fans flooded social media with their support, with many jokingly asking if the ceremony would include a “Stanley Cup table centerpiece” — a nod to the team’s long-awaited championship hopes.
As for Nylander’s upcoming season, insiders say the engagement has only added to his motivation. “He’s dialed in, focused, and more grounded than ever,” Leafs head coach Craig Berube told reporters this morning. “Love looks good on him.”
With wedding plans underway and the puck soon dropping on another season, it seems 2025 is shaping up to be a milestone year for William Nylander — both on and off the ice.