During a recent interview with the Toronto Sun, newly signed Marlies Alex Nylander Explains what lies ahead as he attempts to rebuild his career with the Maple Leafs organization.
Both he and his brother William have been doing weeks of off ice training together in Stockholm Sweden as they enjoy the summer and prepare for the next season. This opportunity for Alex is one that he does not want to pass up let alone falter.
"To be with him on the Leafs would be amazing, a dream come true. I've watched him and the Leafs play a lot over the years and know a lot of what they do. I can't wait for that chance to come."
Alex also explained that he understands that there is much to be proven as he had seen a spark in his career after being traded from the Pittsburgh Penguins to the Columbus Blue Jackets. During his short stay in Ohio, he scored eleven goals through 23 games and had three multi goal games. New Blue Jackets general manager Don Waddell did not feel he wanted to send a qualifying offer to Nylander.
«I can't wait for that chance to come,» he said. «But I know I have to prove myself first. It's been a long wait to get back on the ice (his last team, Columbus, missed the playoffs). I hope to come to Toronto in early September (to join the summer skates prior to the main training camp).»
The younger Nylander's career has not taken off like his brother William's has. He was drafted in 2016 by the Buffalo Sabres, first round 8th overall. He has only played 121 career games, scored 25 goals with 24 assists for 49 points and has been a dreadful -11.
As mentioned earlier, with the Columbus Blue Jackets he played 23 games, scored eleven goals with four assists for 15 points and had six penalty minutes with 16 minutes and 46 seconds of average ice time.
In the long run, it's in Nylander's hands to make a difference in his career and show general manager Brad Treliving that he is worthy of an NHL deal where he can one day fulfill his dream in play on the Leafs with his brother William.
