Earlier this month, William Nylander stirred up some controversy when he showed up to a game in a white tank top while sitting out with an injury. So far this season, the
Toronto Maple Leafs forward has been taking full advantage of the league’s new relaxed dress code, showing off his fashion sense on a nightly basis.
“The swagger says it all,” he said. “I think he’s definitely got that sort of mentality that nothing seems to really bother him, so that’s a pretty incredible trait to have as far as he just doesn’t really ride the waves of what’s going on around him. He has that kind of confidence and swagger about him, and just wants to play on the biggest stages, and that’s what seems to bring out the best in him. Yeah, he was fun to get a chance to play with, especially on a line for a little bit there too. Not surprised to see he’s thriving under the new dress code.”
Van Riemsdyk is no stranger to taking advantage of the relaxed dress code himself, recently going viral for arriving to a game against the Montreal Canadiens
dressed in a Batman costume for his son’s birthday. He recounted the full story, including how he and his teammates dressed up as a set of superheroes to make a video for his son.
Speaking of players who exude confidence, Scott Laughton has become a fan favourite this season for the passion he shows on and off the ice, becoming a spark amidst the team’s recent hot streak. Van Riemsdyk played with Laughton in Philadelphia and is still close with him to this day. He shared what a big presence he is in the locker room.
“He’s one of my best friends and one of my favourite teammates of all time,”
Van Riemsdyk said. “Just the energy that he brings to a team and to the locker room is second to none. He’s the type of guy that just brings everyone together, he’s friends with everyone in the sense where people are always drawn to him. He’s bringing people together in a lot of different ways.”
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