SIGNED: UFA Alex Nylander Lands in Toronto

In an intriguing development, unrestricted free agent Alex Nylander, the brother of Toronto Maple Leafs' star William Nylander, has landed in Toronto — but not with the Leafs, at least not for now. The younger Nylander has signed a one-year AHL contract with the Toronto Marlies.

🖊 News | We've signed forward Alex Nylander to a one-year AHL contract. #LongLive
— Toronto Marlies (@TorontoMarlies) July 28, 2024

It should be noted that Alex Nylander cannot be just "called up" to the Maple Leafs while he is on an AHL deal. He would need to sign an NHL contract with the Leafs in order to be eligible for the call-up. But being right there in town, under the watchful eye of the Leafs' development team (and big bro), is the next best thing.

He's also likely to receive an invite to training camp with the Maple Leafs, as noted by David Alter of The Hockey News, and perhaps could even impress enough to earn himself that NHL deal to start the season. It's clear that the Leafs could use more depth in their bottom six.

It was just earlier this week that speculation began to circulate about the possibility of the 26-year-old Alex Nylander coming to Toronto, as images emerged on social media with he and his brother William working out together.

Nylander, the former No. 8 overall selection in the 2016 NHL Entry Draft (Buffalo Sabres) had an impressive, and under-the-radar finish to the 2023-24 season, as he was picked up by the Columbus Blue Jackets from the Pittsburgh Penguins, and proceeded to notch 11 goals and 15 points in 23 games, in 16:46 of ice time per night.

But the Blue Jackets surprisingly did not extend him a qualifying offer, and the younger Nylander became a UFA.

Now, big brother William and the Leafs will be able to keep tabs on Nylander at close range, in Toronto.