What William Nylander Can Teach Us About Mental Wellness

It’s easy to look at someone like William Nylander earning $13.5 million a year to play hockey and assume his life is free of stress, anxiety, or mental health challenges. After all, he’s living the dream: a professional athlete in the NHL, a fan-favourite (most of the time), and a star player on one of the league’s most storied franchises. But with the lofty salary comes equally lofty expectations. For Nylander, every game, every shift, and every mistake is scrutinized by fans and media alike. Yet, despite it all, he seems to glide through life with a calm, unbothered demeanour that offers valuable lessons for us all.

While we can’t know what’s going on in Nylander’s private life, what he shows us on and off the ice is a masterclass in navigating pressure, managing expectations, and maintaining a positive outlook, all of which are crucial for mental health. Welcome to Professor Nylander’s Mental Health Masterclass.

The Pressure Doesn’t Go Away—It’s How You Handle It

It’s tempting to downplay the stress of someone earning millions, but money doesn’t insulate anyone from pressure. For Nylander, playing in Toronto, the self-described hockey capital of the world, means every aspect of his game is dissected by fans and media who are as passionate as they are demanding. That’s a weight few of us can imagine.

What sets Nylander apart is how he handles that weight. Rather than succumbing to the pressure. His calm, composed attitude, even after a string of losses, shows the power of perspective. By not letting external expectations dictate his mindset, Nylander reminds us that we, too, can manage the pressures in our lives by focusing on what we can control.

Perspective Is Everything

When Nylander brushed off a three-game losing streak with a casual “It’s only three games,” some fans were furious. But that moment perfectly encapsulates his approach: keep the highs and lows in perspective. In the big picture of an 82-game season (and an even bigger life), a few bad games or bad days don’t define you.

For anyone struggling with mental health, this lesson is golden. Life will always have setbacks, but they’re often temporary. Learning to zoom out, as Nylander does, helps us avoid getting stuck in the moment and reminds us that one mistake, one bad day, or even one bad week doesn’t diminish our worth or potential.

Authenticity Is a Superpower

Nylander is unapologetically himself. He doesn’t conform to the mold of what a hockey player “should” be. He’s not overly intense or stoic. He’s easygoing, lighthearted, and unbothered by the noise around him. That authenticity is part of what makes him so endearing.

In our own lives, we often feel pressured to fit a certain image or meet societal expectations. But pretending to be someone we’re not takes a toll on our mental health. Nylander reminds us that authenticity is a superpower. By embracing who we are, we free ourselves from the exhausting cycle of trying to please everyone.

You Can’t Please Everyone—and That’s Okay

Playing in Toronto means criticism is inevitable. No matter how well Nylander performs, there will always be someone questioning his effort, his salary, or his style of play. Yet, he doesn’t let that criticism define him. He knows his worth, both as a player and as a person, and that self-assurance allows him to rise above the noise.

For those of us navigating our own challenges, this is an important reminder: you can’t please everyone, and that’s okay. What matters most is how you see yourself. Developing self-worth independent of others’ opinions is a cornerstone of good mental health.

Happiness Is a Skill

Watching Nylander on the ice, one thing stands out: he looks like he’s having fun. His joy is obvious whether he’s threading a perfect pass or dancing around defenders. Despite the immense pressure, he finds a way to enjoy his work.

This is perhaps the most critical mental health lesson of all: happiness is a skill, and it’s something we can cultivate. Even in the most stressful situations, finding moments of joy, whether it’s in your work, relationships, or hobbies, can make all the difference. It’s not about eliminating stress but learning to balance it with moments of lightness and fun.

Thanks, Willie: A Mental Health Role Model

So yes, William Nylander is making $13.5 million this year and probably sleeps just fine at night, knowing that the weight of the Leaf’s 57-year Stanley Cup drought isn’t on his shoulders. But his value goes beyond goals and assists. He’s a reminder that it’s possible to stay true to yourself, keep perspective, and find joy even in high-pressure environments.

In an overwhelming world, we can all benefit from taking a page from Nylander’s playbook. Know your worth. Let go of perfectionism. Focus on what you can control. And most importantly, don’t forget to enjoy the ride. Thanks, Willie; you’re worth every dollar they pay you.