from Chris Johnston of Sportsnet,

Expectations are bound to be a challenge when William Nylander makes the transition to the NHL with the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Just how much of a challenge could depend largely on how the next couple weeks unfold at the World Junior Championship. When Nylander stepped onto Canadian soil with the rest of his Swedish teammates Tuesday, he found himself in possession of a unique opportunity.

He is both the Leafs top prospect and Sweden’s top centre for a high-profile tournament being played at Air Canada Centre.

That means the spotlight from two continents will be pointed in his direction.

It will be the first time most hockey fans in Toronto see him compete against kids his own age. Having the opportunity to compare him to his peers should underscore why the 18-year-old was selected with the eighth overall pick in June.

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