Former Columbus Blue Jackets forward Alex Nylander had a night to remember in his Toronto Maple Leafs debut.
He was able to share the ice with his brother William Nylander as teammates for the first time in their NHL careers.
Alex was traded to the Blue Jackets last season from the Pittsburgh Penguins and had one of the best stretches of his NHL career. In 23 games, he had 11 goals and four assists for 15 points.
During the off-season, he decided to take an AHL contract with the Maple Leafs’ AHL affiliate, the Toronto Marlies, to be closer to his brother.
Alex Nylander on playing with brother William Nylander in the NHL: “Something I’ll remember forever”
— Mark Masters (@markhmasters) November 25, 2024
The dream of them playing together on the same team slowly became a reality when the Maple Leafs had six forwards go down with injuries and Ryan Reaves out with a suspension. Which led to Nylander getting the NHL contract and subsequently the call-up to Toronto.
Related: Former Blue Jackets Forward Alex Nylander Signs Deal With The Toronto Maple Leafs
Last night against the Utah Hockey Club, they were able to live out the dream that they have been thinking about since they were kids back in Sweden.
They even got to share the ice on the same shift 4–5 times, including on the power play, and when William scored his goal, he was able to hug his brother.
What a moment! Congrats to Alex and William Nylander!
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