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Nylander's Last Ride at Saddledome
27 Oct
Summary
- William Nylander plays final game at Saddledome on Oct. 26, 2026.
- Nylander was born in Calgary while his father played for the Flames.
- Calgary's Flames will move to a new arena in 2027-28.
William Nylander will play his last game at the Scotiabank Saddledome on October 26, 2026, when the Toronto Maple Leafs visit the Calgary Flames. This marks a significant moment as the iconic arena prepares for its closure before the Flames move to a new building across the street.
Nylander, born in Calgary while his father Michael played for the Flames, shared his anticipation for the final game. He spoke fondly of the Saddledome's unique character and atmosphere, noting its historical significance. The arena, which opened in 1983, also hosted events during the 1988 Winter Olympics.
The Flames are expected to transition to the 18,400-seat Scotia Place for the 2027-28 NHL season. Following this move, the Saddledome is slated for demolition. This transition signifies the end of an era for the beloved venue.
Adding to the familial connection, William's brother, Alex Nylander, also plays in Calgary for the Flames' AHL affiliate, the Calgary Wranglers, who also use the Saddledome. This further deepens the Nylander family's ties to the arena.
Recently, William Nylander achieved a career milestone, scoring his 300th NHL goal during Toronto's trip to Alberta. He surpassed Rick Vaive for sixth place on the Maple Leafs' all-time goal list and is among the fastest Swedish-born players to reach this mark.
Coach Jim Hiller also has historical ties to the Saddledome, having played his first NHL game there on October 6, 1992. He recalled it as one of the premier arenas of its time, alongside Detroit's Joe Louis Arena.
