@williamnylander / Instagram
Alex split the season playing in the AHL and the NHL. He appeared in 46 games for the Wilkes-Barre Scranton Penguins and recorded 17 goals and 15 assists. The forward was traded from Pittsburgh to the Columbus Blue Jackets and scored 11 goals and four assists in just 23 games.
Nylander became an unrestricted free agent after Columbus opted not to qualify him in June.
Should the Maple Leafs make a flyer on young Nylander?
If there’s one thing Toronto has lacked in the last few playoffs, it’s scoring depth. Last year against the Boston Bruins, only one player in the bottom six scored a goal: David Kampf.
Depth scoring must be addressed if they want to go deeper into the playoffs.
Toronto’s right wing consists of Nylander, Mitch Marner, Calle Jarnkrok and Ryan Reaves. Jarnkrok has scored just one postseason goal with the Maple Leafs in 18 games, although his defensive play makes up for the lack of goals.
Reaves — while a great person to have on the field in the playoffs — hasn’t scored a goal in the postseason since 2018 with the Vegas Golden Knights.
That’s where Toronto could benefit from adding Alex Nylander.
He hasn’t proven to be a consistent scorer in the NHL, but on a league minimum deal — which he signed while with Pittsburgh and Columbus last season — it should be a no-brainer for Toronto.
It would be smart indeed if the Maple Leafs signed him for just under $1 million. He would have the chance to play with his brother, William, while also having the opportunity to pursue the ultimate goal of winning a Stanley Cup.
It would be a smart move for both sides, but as we move into the summer, Nylander’s contract situation becomes more mysterious.
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