The door to a job with the Maple Leafs may open sooner than expected for Alex Nylander
Newly signed Maple Leaf Alex Nylander might find himself in the NHL lineup sooner than expected, given the current uncertainty on the left wing in Toronto.
The Nick Robertson RFA saga continues to unfold in Toronto, as the former 2nd rounder from the 2019 draft has not wavered on his desire to leave the organization. This potential loss creates a significant gap on the left wing. Surprisingly, the best candidate to fill this role might already be in the system. I am, of course, talking about Alex Nylander, who is currently on an AHL deal.
Alex Nylander has had an underwhelming NHL career thus far, having jumped around the league in search of a full-time NHL role. However, after being traded from the Pittsburgh Penguins to the Columbus Blue Jackets during the 2023-24 season, Nylander demonstrated he could be a valuable offensive contributor.
Post-trade, Nylander recorded 11 goals and 4 assists, totaling 15 points in just 23 games with the Blue Jackets. While this is a small sample size, such production (more than a half-point per game) could make him an excellent addition as a 3rd line left winger for the Maple Leafs.
Of course, it's more likely at this point that the Leafs allow Nylander some time in the American Hockey League to work with the team's development staff before bringing him up, but if the Leafs need a left winger with some NHL experience in a pinch, he is a viable candidate to receive an NHL contract and a call-up.
Source: HockeyDB
Alex Nylander Statistics, Nick Robertson Statistics
| POLL | ||
AOUT 28 | 710 ANSWERS The door to a job with the Maple Leafs may open sooner than expected for Alex Nylander Will Alex Nylander make the Maple Leafs out of camp and earn himself an immediate NHL contract? | ||
| Yes | 399 | 56.2 % |
| No | 311 | 43.8 % |
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