William Nylander, Alex Nylander and Rasmus Sandin enjoy some downtime together during the NHL offseason in Sweden (Image Source – Instagram) Toronto Maple Leafs forward William Nylander is showing fans a glimpse of his NHL offseason with a new set of photos posted on social media. The images feature Washington Capitals defenseman Rasmus Sandin and William’s brother, Alex Nylander, a familiar summer tradition for the three Swedish players.The offseason gathering is a testament to the strong friendships that transcend NHL competition. The trio are on different teams now but have continued with their annual training program in Sweden as they prepare for the 2026-27 National Hockey League season.
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NHL star William Nylander shares offseason photo collection with Rasmus Sandin and Alex Nylander
William Nylander posted a series of offseason photos of Washington Capitals defenseman Rasmus Sandin and his brother, Alex Nylander.The Instagram post included clips of the trio’s summer in Sweden, including training sessions and some downtime ahead of the start of NHL training camps. While each player is preparing for a different organization, their annual offseason meet-up has become a familiar tradition to hockey fans.William Nylander and Alex Nylander are regular visitors to Stockholm during part of their offseason, often with Rasmus Sandin. The latest photos gave another look at the close bond the three players share as they continue to prep for the new NHL season.The social media post quickly caught the attention of hockey fans, many of whom have followed the friendship since Sandin’s days with the Toronto Maple Leafs.
Why do William Nylander and Washington Capitals’ Rasmus Sandin remain close friends?
William Nylander and Rasmus Sandin have maintained a relationship that was built during Sandin’s time with the Toronto Maple Leafs.Young defenseman Sandin signed with the Maple Leafs organization, and Nylander was a big part of helping him adjust to life in Toronto. Their friendship has stayed strong even after Sandin was dealt to the Washington Capitals at the 2023 NHL Trade Deadline.
Friendship continued beyond the trade
The two Swedes now play for different teams but keep in touch regularly and spend parts of their summers together. Their latest offseason gathering shows the deal hasn’t changed their long-time friendship.Nylander had 30 goals and 49 assists in 65 games with the Toronto Maple Leafs in 2025-26. Sandin registered five goals and 24 assists in 73 games with the Washington Capitals while providing valuable defensive production with 88 hits and 127 blocked shots.
How could William Nylander and Alex Nylander benefit from offseason training
William Nylander and Alex Nylander work out in the offseason to stay in shape and get ready for the grind of the upcoming NHL season, and players train with familiar teammates and friends to develop chemistry while working on skating, strength and on-ice skills before official camps begin. The off-season is also a chance for William Nylander to follow up another productive campaign with the Toronto Maple Leafs.With NHL training camps approaching, players around the league are using the summer to work on fitness and hone their game. William Nylander, Rasmus Sandin and Alex Nylander seem intent on keeping that tradition alive, maintaining a friendship that has endured even as each player has gone his own way professionally.