Toronto Maple Leafs' "too questionable" forward depth will unite Nylander brothers, opines NHL analyst Luke Fox

By ARJUN B

Modified Sep 04, 2024 10:42 GMT

NHL analyst Luke Fox believes forward Alex Nylander could soon join his brother William on the Toronto Maple Leafs, citing the team's lack of depth among its forward group.

Alex Nylander, the 8th overall pick in the 2016 NHL Draft, is presently signed under an AHL contract with the Toronto Marlies team under the Leafs. This situation has led Luke Fox to view him as a promising candidate for a potential call-up opportunity.

"The proximity of the NHL team is always a useful sell to AHLers with hopes to make the jump, and it says here that Alex will suit up for the same team as big brother William by Christmas," said Fox to Sportsnet.

The 24-year-old Nylander has played in 121 career NHL games, scoring 25 goals and adding 24 assists. He had his most productive season last year with the Columbus Blue Jackets, notching 11 goals in just 23 games.

"Alex has played NHL games in six of his past seven seasons and posted a career-high 11 goals in his 23 games with the Columbus Blue Jackets last winter," noted Fox.

Accordimg to Fox, it's only a matter of time before Nylander gets an opportunity in Toronto after an early playoff exit last season.

"Toronto's forward depth is too questionable, and hockey injuries are too common, to not envision a scenario where Alex gets a peek at Scotiabank Arena. The brothers will unite," predicted Fox.

If Nylander impresses with the Marlies early on, Luke Fox believes he could soon be donning the blue and white in Toronto alongside his sibling.

Luke Fox on Mitch Marner's future with Maple Leafs

Mitch Marner's future with the Toronto Maple Leafs has been a hot topic after the last season playoff exit.

Luke Fox pointed out that Mitch Marner has continuously delivered during the regular season. The issue is his playoff performances, where he has yet to elevate his game.

"Ultimately, Marner is like the rest of this core: He will be judged on his post-season performance. What separates him is that his future compensation — and future uniform — will also be determined by how things go next spring." Fox said.

Marner still has a year remaining on his contract. Luke believes Marner's future contract, be it with the Maple Leafs or a different team, will rely heavily on his capacity to replicate regular season achievements in playoffs.