Alex Nylander's surprising leap to the Toronto Marlies sparks mixed reactions

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Sam Jones
August 1, 2024 (9:48)

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The Toronto sports scene was abuzz this week as Alex Nylander inked a deal with the Toronto Marlies, sparking a whirlwind of reactions, not least from former NHL goalie turned analyst, Martin Biron.

The younger sibling of Maple Leafs star William Nylander, Alex has faced a rocky journey through the professional ranks, marked by unmet expectations since his 2016 draft into the NHL as the eighth overall pick.

Alex Nylander's career trajectory has somewhat mirrored a cautionary tale rather than a propitious ascent to stardom. His transition from the AHL to the NHL has been fraught with difficulties, lacking the luster that was anticipated of him pre-draft. With the shadows of his potential lingering overhead, Nylander has struggled to carve out a notable niche within the NHL echelons.

Despite these struggles, the Toronto Marlies saw fit to offer him a 1-year contract. This move, seen by many as a low-risk, high-reward strategy, aims to leverage what untapped potential may yet linger within Nylander. However, not everyone shares this optimism. Martin Biron, sharing his insights on TSN 1050's OverDrive, expressed his reservations with candid clarity.

"He didn't develop as well as you would hope to, putting [Alex] Nylander in the AHL, so maybe that was the wrong path for him, but you still can tell that he has some really good skills and he's got some speed," Biron remarked.

Despite acknowledging Nylander's inherent talents, Biron remains skeptical.

"I don't have high hopes for Alex Nylander, but I think, why not? Give him an AHL deal and see if maybe you can [get] a little bit out of him."

Nylander's stint with the Columbus Blue Jackets towards the end of the 2023-24 season perhaps best exemplifies why the Marlies' gamble might not be so far-fetched. Over 23 games, he demonstrated a scoring capability akin to a 36-goal pace, amassing 11 goals and 15 points. His performance was notably robust, although it's recognized that he won't have the same opportunities in Toronto, including stints in the top-6, which he enjoyed in Columbus.

The absence of an offer from the Blue Jackets post this surge adds another layer of intrigue and surprise to his career narrative. Yet, for the Marlies and the Maple Leafs organization, this represents an opportunity. If Toronto can harness and refine Nylander's skills, this move could transform from a low-risk venture into a high-reward triumph.

The road ahead for Alex Nylander is uncertain but filled with potential. As the Maple Leafs organization looks to possibly unearth the latent potential within him, they also stand to demonstrate the value of perseverance and faith in talent amidst skepticism. Regardless of the outcome, Nylander's journey will undoubtedly be one to watch, serving as either a testament to resilience or a lesson in the harsh realities of professional sports.

Source: MAPLELEAFSDAILY
Ex-NHL goaltender shares interesting take on the Alex Nylander deal in Toronto