**Brother of Maple Leafs’ $92 Million Forward Signs With Toronto**
Alex Nylander, brother of Toronto Maple Leafs’ star forward William Nylander, has signed a one-year contract with the Toronto Marlies of the AHL. After becoming a free agent on July 1, Alex, unable to secure an NHL contract, opted to join the Marlies, the Maple Leafs’ minor-league affiliate.
Though Alex is now part of the Maple Leafs organization, he will need to sign an NHL contract to join the Maple Leafs, delaying the potential of playing alongside his brother William.
Alex, drafted eighth overall by the Buffalo Sabres in the 2018 NHL draft, has played 121 NHL games with the Sabres, Chicago Blackhawks, Pittsburgh Penguins, and Columbus Blue Jackets, accumulating 25 goals and 24 assists for 49 points. Last season, he played 28 NHL games with Pittsburgh and Columbus, scoring 11 goals and 4 assists for 15 points.
**Maple Leafs Fans Praise Nylander Signing**
Following the Marlies’ announcement of Alex’s signing, Maple Leafs fans expressed their excitement on social media, hoping to see the Nylander brothers play together in Toronto. “It’s only an AHL deal now, but seeing how Alex finished last season with CBJ shows he can compete at the NHL level, just needs to find consistency,” one fan commented. Another added, “BEST SIGNING OF THE OFF SEASON.”
While it’s uncertain if Alex will secure an NHL contract, he will play for the Marlies in the 2024-25 season.
**William Nylander Heaps Praise on Brother**
Despite being a top-10 pick, Alex has struggled with consistency throughout his career. However, after being traded to the Blue Jackets during the 2023-24 NHL season, he began to find success, recording 11 goals and 4 assists for 15 points in 23 games. William expressed pride in his brother’s achievements, stating, “I’m a super proud brother. He’s been battling his entire career and been given a really good chance to play and showing what he can do.”
As for William, he is entering the first year of his eight-year, $92 million contract with the Maple Leafs, having been drafted by Toronto eighth overall in 2014. William has played 603 NHL games, recording 217 goals and 311 assists for 528 points, with an additional 20 goals and 23 assists in 53 NHL playoff games.
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