In a heated clash between the Boston Bruins and Toronto Maple Leafs, Bruins captain Brad Marchand delivered a controversial and brutal hit on Leafs forward William Nylander, who recently inked a lucrative $18.4 million contract extension. The second-period incident saw Marchand deliver a high, open-ice check that sent Nylander crashing to the ice, sparking outrage from fans and players alike.

Officials reviewed the hit but did not issue a major penalty, leading to fierce backlash on social media. Leafs head coach Sheldon Keefe expressed concern, stating, “That’s the kind of play that endangers top talent in the league.”

Nylander, a key offensive weapon for Toronto, had just signed his extension a week earlier, solidifying his role as a franchise cornerstone. While initial medical reports suggest no serious injury, he is listed as day-to-day.

The NHL Department of Player Safety is expected to review the hit. As tensions rise, all eyes turn to the league’s response and potential suspension for Marchand.