Alex Nylander Admits to Making Tremendous Sacrifice in Order to Join Maple Leafs

Earlier this off-season, Alex Nylander surprised many when he signed an AHL contract with the Maple Leafs organization, with a strong likelihood that he’ll begin his tenure in Toronto with the Marlies in the American Hockey League — not in the NHL with his brother. The move came just months after Alex had produced 11 goals and 15 points in 23 games with the Columbus Blue Jackets.

There was much speculation this summer as to whether or not the younger Nylander brother had only received AHL offers or if he had some NHL offers come his way as well. On Thursday, after day one of Leafs training camp, Alex confirmed that he did indeed pass up on NHL offers to come to Toronto. He also confirmed that he did it knowing that there are no guarantees and that he’s fine with working hard and earning his spot in time.

This is an extremely mature approach for Nylander to have taken, especially with NHL contracts dangling in front of him.

In terms of what he might have to do to earn said contract, Nylander did acknowledge that he and the Maple Leafs have not had any discussions about the organization’s expectations for him, but he is planning to put in some significant work to develop the defensive aspects of his game in hopes of forcing the Leafs GM Brad Treliving’s hand a little bit.

Alex has tremendous offensive skills at his disposal, but his defensive inefficiencies have, at times, cost him greater NHL opportunities, so it does seem like he is very self-aware and knows what he has to do to give himself the best chance to earn an NHL contract in Toronto. I think it’s safe to say that we’re all rooting for him, as a line featuring the Nylander brothers sounds like a good time.

Alex also confirmed that his brother, William, did indeed take him into his home, as was always the expectation.