The Toronto Maple Leafs have signed Alexander Nylander, the brother of superstar William Nylander, to a minor league deal. This move offers Alexander a chance to join the Leafs and potentially continue his career alongside his brother.

The deal is a low-risk opportunity for the Leafs. If Alexander Nylander succeeds, it could be a valuable addition without significant cost. If he doesn’t perform, the impact on the team will be minimal.

This decision is seen as a smart move by Brad Treliving and the Leafs, particularly after the departure of the highly regarded Kyle Dubas.

Alexander Nylander Joins the Marlies

Technically, it’s the Toronto Marlies, not the Leafs, who signed Nylander. He’s expected to excel in the AHL, and if he doesn’t secure an NHL spot during training camp, he might still join the Leafs as an injury replacement later in the season.

It’s surprising that Nylander had to settle for an AHL contract, given his performance last season with Columbus, where he scored 11 goals in 23 games. Although this pace was likely influenced by an unsustainable shooting percentage, Nylander has shown potential with a career Corsi rating over 50% and a tendency to win his minutes despite challenging team situations.

Drafted 8th overall, Nylander possesses significant talent but has often been placed in unfavorable situations. While it’s uncertain if he will match his brother’s success, there is potential for him to become a solid top-nine NHL player or even a late-blooming star.

The Leafs’ approach to this signing was prudent. Despite initial concerns about overvaluing Nylander based on his recent performance, the Leafs have made a savvy move. If Nylander continues his strong finish from Columbus, he could prove to be a valuable asset. There is even a chance that the Nylander brothers could lead the Leafs to success, which is certainly within the realm of possibility.