Maple Leafs Call Up Alex Nylander To Play With Brother William

With Matthew Knies out indefinitely after taking a monster hit on Wednesday night, it's opened the door for William Nylander's little brother Alex to join him on the big club.

The #leafs have signed Alex Nylander to a one-year deal worth a prorated $775,000.

He'd previously been with the Marlies on an AHL contract and will get the chance to play with his brother William.
— Chris Johnston (@reporterchris) November 22, 2024

Alex Nylander has been signed by the Toronto Maple Leafs to a $775,000 one-year deal, turning his AHL contract into an NHL one.

With the Toronto Marlies, Nylander was proving he was worthy of another shot in the NHL, as he recorded 8 goals and 12 points in 14 AHL games.

His last turn in the NHL came last season for 23 games with the Columbus Blue Jackets, where he had a nice run to finish the year, with 11 goals and 15 points.

The 26-year-old is finally united with his older brother Willy.

Unfortunately, as mentioned, Nylander's break comes as a result of a booming hit laid on Knies by Zach Whitecloud of the Vegas Golden Knights this week.

Whitecloud gave Knies a nice seat 🪑 pic.twitter.com/qAeN0LWGcO
— Spittin' Chiclets (@spittinchiclets) November 21, 2024

Knies has been placed on injured reserve with an "upper body" injury, though it's almost certainly concussion-related, as he has had troubles with that in the past. He now joins a long list of Maple Leaf forwards out of the lineup.

🚨 Current Maple Leafs forward injuries or suspensions:

• Max Domi (IR)
• Calle Järnkrok (LTIR)
• David Kämpf (IR)
• Auston Matthews (IR)
• Max Pacioretty (LTIR)
• Ryan Reaves (suspended)
• Matthew Knies (IR)#leafsforever pic.twitter.com/Ucy25d9tow
— Leafslatest (@Leafslatest) November 22, 2024

Knies joins Auston Matthews, Max Domi and David Kampf on the IR, Calle Jarnkrok and Max Pacioretty on LTIR, while Ryan Reaves is on the suspended list for five games.