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William Nylander makes his feelings known about playing alongside brother Alex in their first NHL game
William Nylander and his brother Alex are the 13th set of brothers to play for the Toronto Maple Leafs. They are notably the fifth set of brothers to represent the franchise and the 48th set of brothers to compete in NHL history.
This comes after the Nylander siblings played their first NHL game together during Sunday's 3-2 win over the Utah Hockey Club at home in Scotiabank Arena.
After the game, older brother William Nylander expressed his excitement about playing alongside his brother Alex in their first NHL game.
"I mean, just the entire day was special and seeing him out there," Nylander said via Sportsnet. "The first period was kind of just like crazy. It felt pretty crazy and then settled in and it felt more normal. So, yeah, it was very special. And, of course, we got the win, which was nice."
When asked about playing with his older brother, Alex Nylander said (via Mark Masters on X/Twitter):
"Something I’ll remember forever."
Following Matthew Knies' placement on injured reserve, the Maple Leafs recalled Alex Nylander from the AHL's Toronto Marlies. On Friday, the Leafs signed him to a one-year, $775,000 contract.
Alex Nylander split the previous season between the Pittsburgh Penguins and Columbus Blue Jackets. The younger Nylander has been in the league for the last six seasons, playing for the likes of the Buffalo Sabres and Chicago Blackhawks, in addition to the Penguins and Blue Jackets.
Alex Nylander has accumulated 49 points through 25 goals and 24 assists in 121 NHL career games.
HC Craig Berube opens up about special night for William Nylander and Alex
Toronto Maple Leafs coach Craig Berube shared his thoughts on the special night for the Swedish brothers following Alex Nylander's debut.
"He was fine. He had a couple of chances — a couple of looks," Berube said via MapleLeafsHotStove.com. "I used him in different situations, but I thought he was fine overall.
"It is great, for sure. Any time you can play with your brother, play some shifts with your brother, and be on the ice with him, it is a special thing. It is a special situation. I am very happy for both of them and their dad, who was a player in the league for a long time," he added.
Alex Nylander registered two shots on goal in his debut game for the Leafs. Meanwhile, William Nylander contributed with two points to beat the Utah Hockey Club 3-2 to win their fourth straight game.
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