Toronto has added some forward depth in the form of a player who has yet to hit his stride as an NHLer. They signed Alex Nylander to an AHL deal for one year. However, when we consider the move, just what does this mean for Toronto and Nylander?
Toronto Gets Some Depth Scoring in Nylander
Despite Nylander signing an AHL deal with the Toronto Marlies, don’t be surprised to see the forward appear with the Maple Leafs this coming season. Nylander could be seeing some time in the NHL for multiple reasons. Last season, he was traded from the Pittsburgh Penguins to the Columbus Blue Jackets. However, general manager Kyle Dubas might’ve regretted that deal, as Nylander went on to be successful in Ohio. In 23 games with the Jackets, he scored 15 points. That rate would put him on pace for over 50 points in a full 82-game season. Moreover, that would have made him sixth in Maple Leafs scoring from last year’s totals.
Nylander’s Role if He Cracks the NHL
Even though this is an AHL deal for Nylander, that doesn’t mean Toronto general manager Brad Treliving has a plan already. The Leafs are short on cap space, therefore, Treliving had to get a little creative. With this deal, Nylander won’t make as much as a standard NHL player. As a result, his contract doesn’t eat as much cap space, and he is still eligible to play for the Maple Leafs. It’s no secret that the Leafs have immense talent up front in their top six. However, the bottom-six skill definitely has room for improvement. There are several responsible forwards in their lineup such as Calle Jarnkrok, David Kampf, and Connor Dewar. However, it wouldn’t hurt to add a player who will provide a bit more flair and offensive drive.
In the past, he’s played on teams that lack competitiveness. In fact, he’s only played eight playoff games in his career, all for the Chicago Blackhawks. That was in the 2019-20 season when the NHL had a qualifying round. Nylander hasn’t had much help in the bottom six. However, the Maple Leafs are a team that is much better built than the teams he’s played for in the past. Therefore, this is a great opportunity for the forward to show that can play on a competitive team.
Due for a Callup
While Nylander has had some moments in the NHL, most of his time has been spent in the minors. In a league with very little scoring, it’s hard to ask more of Nylander in the American league. In 330 games he’s scored a total of 210 points in different stints with the Rochester Americans, the Rockford IceHogs, and most recently, the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins. Nylander’s performances in the minors have been good enough for him to earn callups to the NHL franchise. However, the 26-year-old has bounced up and down the minors regularly and around a handful of teams during his career. That’s a recipe for inconsistent performances and could be one of the main reasons why Nylander hasn’t played up to his expectations when he was selected eighth overall by the Buffalo Sabres.
Brothers Re-United
On top of the idea that Nylander has a great opportunity in Toronto with this deal, he has a chance to play on the same team as his older brother, William. The Nylander brothers are clearly close as they often spend offseasons together in the sun. If Alex gets called up sometime next season and plays alongside his brother William, they’ll be the few pair of brothers that have played on the same team in the NHL. There have been many instances of brothers in the NHL, such as the Tkachuks, Stromes, Staals, and several more. However, there aren’t many that get to wear the same logo on their chest. Although, Jack and Luke Hughes are lucky enough to have been drafted by the New Jersey Devils and share the ice. There’s no doubt that the Nylander brothers will be hoping to get that experience.
