The Toronto Marlies, the AHL affiliate of the Maple Leafs, have signed forward Alex Nylander to a one-year deal, according to multiple sources. Nylander spent 64 games with the Marlies in 2024-25, netting 23 goals and 44 points.
Nylander, 27, is the brother of Toronto’s star forward, William Nylander. He was the eighth overall selection in the 2016 Draft by the Buffalo Sabres.
A Swedish national, Nylander was a regular on the country’s U17, U18, and U20 squads during world competitions nearly a decade ago. As for his NHL career, he most recently suited up for Toronto in 2024-25, appearing in five games without recording a point.
His career year (so far) came with the Chicago Blackhawks in 2019-20, when he notched 10 goals and 26 points over 65 games.
While this feels like nothing more than a depth move that should keep William happy with his brother nearby, Nylander has proven he can compete in the NHL and could serve in case of injury or other unforeseen circumstances.
The Maple Leafs also lost Mitchell Marner to the Vegas Golden Knights this summer, and while Nylander is not seen as a replacement, they are in no position to refuse flyers on forwards.
Nylander should also have an incentive to perform on this one-year deal. There are no guarantees in this sport, and he is still too young to call it quits in North America and head back to Europe.
Expect some more brotherly content from Toronto this season now that the Nylanders are secured.
