Alexander Nylander expresses desire to play with brother on Maple Leafs' roster

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Cooper Godin
August 6, 2024 (5:28 PM)

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Toronto Marlies forward Alexander Nylander recently expressed his desire to play with his brother, William, on Maple Leafs' roster next season.

Despite only being on an AHL contract right now with the Toronto Marlies, former eighth overall pick Alexander Nylander has his sights set on an even bigger target next season - earning an NHL deal and playing on the Maple Leafs' roster with his brother William.

In a recent interview with Lance Hornby of the Toronto Sun, Alexander Nylander said that it would be a dream come true to play in the National Hockey League alongside his brother for the Maple Leafs. He added that he knows he has to work hard in the AHL and prove himself first in order to be in a position where the Maple Leafs can offer him an NHL contract.

"To be with him on the Leafs would be amazing, a dream come true. I've watched him and the Leafs play a lot over the years and know a lot of what they do. I can't wait for that chance to come,» he said. «But I know I have to prove myself first. It's been a long wait to get back on the ice." Nylander said.

Nylander's worth ethic and effort is one thing that can't be questioned and in the interview with Lance Hornby, he shared that he plans on heading to Toronto pretty early to meet up with the guys for summer skates in early September ahead of training camp opening later that month. The 26-year-old said that he's ready for the opportunity ahead of him in Toronto and is more determined than ever.

"I hope to come to Toronto in early September to join the summer skates prior to the main training camp. When that time comes, I'll have to prove myself. The injury and all that is in the past. I'm more determined than ever. I'm ready for this." Nylander said.

The Swedish forward has had a tough time sticking in the National Hockey League, but finished the year pretty well after being dealt from Pittsburgh to Columbus in late-February. Nylander finished the year with 15 points (11 goals, four assists), six penalty minutes and was a minus-one in 23 games with the Blue Jackets.

Maple Leafs fans will have an opportunity to see the Nylander brothers on the ice in the same game at some point during the team's pre-season schedule and if Alexander is able to perform well enough and have a good start with the Marlies, it wouldn't be a shock to see him get an NHL contract. The first chance for fans to potentially see the brothers in the same game could come in their first game of the pre-season on Sunday, September 22nd against the Ottawa Senators.

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Will Alexander Nylander earn an NHL contract with the Toronto Maple Leafs?
Yes	65	53.3 %
No, he'll stay with the Marlies on his AHL deal	57	46.7 %
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