Alex Nylander addresses AHL demotion while instilling hopes of playing with brother William

By ARJUN B

Modified Aug 07, 2024 03:28 GMT

Alex Nylander signed a one-year contract with AHL's Toronto Marlies (Toronto Maple Leafs affiliate) on July 28th, 2024. The 26-year-old forward, drafted 8th overall by the Buffalo Sabres in 2016, addressed his recent demotion while looking ahead to the possibility of playing alongside his brother William Nylander on the Leafs one day.

"We all had a lot of talk before free agency," Alex said to Toronto Sun on Tuesday, referring to discussions with his brother William and father Michael. "They were both in the conversation and Leafs management was really good. We all thought it would be the best to get the (AHL) contract, turn that around, build on last year."

He was moved from Buffalo to the Chicago Blackhawks in 2019 before being traded to the Columbus Blue Jackets in February 2024. During the 2023-24 season, Alex scored 11 goals and provided 4 assists in 23 games for Columbus.

"It was important I’d showed with the Blue Jackets what I can really do and strive to get even better," he explained.

The prospect of someday suiting up for the Leafs alongside William is providing extra motivation.

"To be with him on the Leafs would be amazing, a dream come true," Alex said. "I’ve watched him and the Leafs play a lot over the years and know a lot of what they do."

Alex Nylander discusses his father Michael Nylander

Alex Nylander talks about his father Michael and the inspiration he was. Michael Nylander had a long and successful NHL career, playing for 15 seasons across several teams.

In 2016, when Michael took on a coaching role with the Mississauga Steelheads, where Alex experienced firsthand the unique dynamic of being coached by his father.

"It was a lot of fun at Mississauga when my dad helped coach the team," Alex Nylander said to Toronto Sun. "It was weird at the beginning to be coached by him, but nice to have him around. He knew what I had to work on before the draft, to have that confidence."

"He's a huge inspiration to where both his sons are today," Alex stated. "He still comes to our games and hangs around the gym. I don't know where we'd be without him."

Michael's experience and advice was invaluable to Alex in the lead up to being drafted into the NHL.