Alex Nylander opens up on his opportunity with the Toronto Maple Leafs
The Toronto Maple Leafs have only made one big move in the forward's this summer, and now Alex Nylander opens up on joining his brother on the Leafs.
Alex Nylander finally had his breakout opportunity in 2023/24 with the Columbus Blue Jackets, with the 26-year old notching an impressive 11 goals in just 23 games with the team to end the season. Surprisingly, he remained a free agent for quite some time, before ultimately landing in Toronto, signing an AHL deal with the Toronto Marlies to potentially join his brother William in the NHL at some point this season.
Now, the former first-round pick has revealed his mindset given the opportunity in front of him, and how he feels about potentially playing alongside William.
Alex Nylander on signing with the Leafs organization, what it means to him, and his mindset going forward:
«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.
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.»
«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.
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 is clear that he has to earn his opportunity moving forward, but after biding his time in the AHL for years and taking his opportunity with both hands in Columbus, he has the drive and the talent to crack the NHL roster this year. With the likes of Ryan Reaves, David Kampf and Calle Jarnkrok in front of him, the chances will be there to impress and find a regular role in the NHL, so now we will wait and see if he can replicate the success he had in 2023/24 with the Blue Jackets.
| POLL | ||
6 AOUT | 68 ANSWERS Alex Nylander opens up on his opportunity with the Toronto Maple Leafs Will Alex Nylander be an NHL regular for the Maple Leafs this season? | ||
| Yes | 44 | 64.7 % |
| No | 24 | 35.3 % |
| LIST OF POLLS | ||
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