A New Spark for Alex Nylander
The Toronto Marlies have high hopes for 26-year-old forward Alex Nylander, and he’s showing signs of reaching their expectations. Entering Wednesday’s game against the Syracuse Crunch, Nylander had already notched 29 points (16 goals, 13 assists) in 37 games, a solid performance that highlighted his potential. However, game 38 marked a turning point. Nylander’s crisp pass to defenseman Mikko Kokkonen for the latter’s third goal of the season was a testament to his growing chemistry with his teammates. This assist, his 14th of the season, brought his total points to 30, solidifying his position as the second-highest scorer on the team, just behind Alex Steeves, who has 26 goals and 15 assists in the same number of games.
A Journey of Growth and Consistency
Nylander’s journey to this point has been marked by ups and downs. On November 22, he was upgraded from a one-year AHL contract to an NHL deal, offering him a brief stint with the Toronto Maple Leafs. In five games with the Leafs, he didn’t manage to register a point, averaging just 9:53 of ice time. However, his return to the Marlies on December 7 saw a resurgence in his performance. In the 24 games since his return, Nylander has scored 18 points—eight goals and 10 assists—demonstrating his ability to adapt and thrive at the AHL level. His consistent play, despite not averaging a point per game, is a testament to his resilience and determination.
A Standout Performance
Wednesday’s game against the Syracuse Crunch was a standout moment for Nylander. His active involvement in the game earned him the Marlies’ belt, a symbolic recognition of his outstanding performance, following the 5-4 overtime win. Head coach John Gruden was quick to praise Nylander’s efforts, noting, "I thought Nylander probably played his best game as a Marlie. He was moving his feet, he was playing in straight lines, he was engaged playing inside. It’s a good sign for him. It was good to see him do that." Gruden’s words underscore the value of Nylander’s contributions and the positive trajectory of his development.
Consistency and Flashes of Brilliance
Despite occasional dips in performance, Nylander’s overall consistency at the AHL level is commendable. His longest stretch without a point this season has been three games, which has happened twice with the Marlies. This consistency is crucial for a player aiming to make a significant impact, both at the AHL and NHL levels. Wednesday’s game was a prime example of what Nylander can achieve when he’s at his best. Gruden emphasized, "We’d like to see that happen a little more often, but you can see when he’s doing those little things and those details, how much more dangerous he is and how much more often he has the puck on his stick."
Aiming for NHL Relevance
Nylander’s ultimate goal is to return to the NHL and establish himself as a consistent contributor. Last season, he made a significant impact with both the Pittsburgh Penguins and the Columbus Blue Jackets, scoring 11 goals in 23 NHL games. This performance is a benchmark he aims to surpass while developing with the Marlies. The experience he gained during his brief stint with the Maple Leafs, though challenging, provided valuable insights into the level of play required to succeed at the highest level. His focus now is on refining his game and proving that he’s ready for another opportunity in the NHL.
Staying Engaged and Informed
As Nylander continues to develop and make his mark with the Marlies, fans and analysts alike are keeping a close eye on his progress. To stay updated with the most interesting Maple Leafs stories, analysis, breaking news, and more, consider adding us to your favorites on Google News. By tapping the star, you’ll ensure you never miss a story about Alex Nylander or any other key players and developments within the organization.
