Maple Leafs Giving Alex Nylander One Last Chance to Show He Belongs in the NHL

When the Leafs had announced that they had signed Alex Nylander to a 1-year contract with the AHL's Toronto Marlies this summer, there was a degree of surprise that it wasn't an NHL deal, especially given how he had ended his season in Columbus, having produced 11 goals and 15 points in 23 games with the Blue Jackets.

Alex, the younger brother of Leafs star William Nylander, revealed a few short weeks back that he had multiple NHL offers on the table, but opted to take the AHL deal with the Leafs in hopes of eventually earning himself an NHL contract. Unfortunately, a lackluster showing at training camp may have him bound for the AHL after all. That is, unless he can make a compelling case that he belongs in the NHL.

The Leafs announced on Thursday Morning that Nylander will be in tonight's lineup against the Red Wings.

The truth of the matter is that it appears as though Craig Berube and the coaching staff already know what their anticipated opening night roster looks like and that Alex Nylander is not likely to factor into their plans. However, we should never underestimate what a big game can do for a player's stock.

If Nylander pops off tonight against Detroit, there may be a chance for him to sneak into the Leafs' pre-season finale, and if he can do that and have another lights out performance, he could potentially force the hand of the coaching staff and the management group into making a very difficult decision to move someone else to open up a roster spot. I don't like his odds, but it's not impossible. It all starts with how he performs tonight.