Three weeks in the past, on July 1, my colleague Spencer Lazary advised signing Alex Nylander as a low-cost addition to the staff. I need to look at this chance extra absolutely and discover why it might be a sensible transfer for the Toronto Maple Leafs.
As Lazary famous, Toronto followers love William Nylander. He then ponders, why not signal his brother Alex and put him within the backside six? After a shaky begin to his NHL profession, Alex has been handed round from staff to staff. Drafted by the Buffalo Sabres in 2016, he has additionally performed for the Pittsburgh Penguins, Chicago Blackhawks, and Columbus Blue Jackets. Final season, he performed 23 video games with the Blue Jackets and had a career-high in objectives. Regardless of this promising efficiency, Columbus left him and not using a qualifying supply, making him an unrestricted free agent (UFA).
Why Wouldn’t the Maple Leafs Go After Alex Nylander?
There are two methods to handle the query above. One is to clarify why the Maple Leafs ought to go away Nylander alone and never signal him as a free agent. The second is to take a extra why-the-heck-not look and supply a number of explanation why William’s brother is likely to be a sensible choice to signal a worth contract. In the remainder of this submit, I’ll attempt to do each.
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That Alex, the youthful Nylander brother, stays a free agent regardless of his sturdy end with the Blue Jackets is a shock. Given his pedigree and efficiency final season, why does he stay unsigned? Though not as prolifically as his older brother, he can actually rating. Final season with the Blue Jackets, he put up 11 objectives and added 4 assists (for 15 factors), taking part in bottom-six minutes over 23 video games. He additionally did that with a minus-1 ranking, which isn’t unhealthy on a shedding Columbus staff.
However let’s first have a look at why the Maple Leafs may not attempt to signal him earlier than we contemplate why they could need to. First, Nylander has proven flashes of expertise however has struggled with consistency all through his profession. The Maple Leafs is likely to be hesitant to spend money on a participant who has but to show he can carry out reliably over a complete season. Toronto already has a deep roster on the ahead place, significantly with younger expertise on the wings.
Additionally, the Maple Leafs are as soon as once more tight on the wage cap. Even a low-cost signing like Nylander might restrict their flexibility to make different strikes or re-sign key gamers, together with children who’re now not waiver-exempt. As a substitute of going after Alex, the Maple Leafs would possibly resolve to develop their present prospects slightly than take an opportunity on a participant who has but to reside as much as his potential.
Causes the Maple Leafs May Signal Alex Nylander
That stated, with a participant just like the youthful Nylander, there at all times appears to be the potential for a breakout. He has the pedigree and seemingly the ability to grow to be a invaluable asset. He might present vital offensive output if he finds his stride, making him a low-risk, high-reward signing. A whole lot of “ifs,” but – generally iffy strikes prove effectively.
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Second, Alex would have familiarity and chemistry by becoming a member of Toronto and reuniting along with his brother William. Might that increase his confidence and efficiency? Household ties might result in higher on-ice chemistry and productiveness – maybe for each brothers.
Third, the Maple Leafs have elite top-six forwards, however they (like all NHL groups) would profit from depth scoring. That may be particularly useful if it got here at a discount value. Nylander might fill a bottom-six function, contribute offensively, and take some strain off the highest traces.
Given his historical past, there’s little probability he would signal something greater than an NHL league minimal contract. It will be a low monetary threat for the Maple Leafs. If Nylander doesn’t pan out, they might simply transfer on with out vital cap implications. Lastly, Nylander could be extremely motivated to play laborious and effectively as a participant with one thing to show. He would attempt to maximize his alternative and probably exceed expectations.
Causes for the Maple Leafs to Be Cautious, Nonetheless…
Briefly, there are legitimate causes for Toronto to be cautious. Nevertheless, Nylander might flip right into a steal at a league-minimum contract. If he’s a rink rat, as Connor Brown famous his brother William to be, Alex might present depth, scoring, and the potential for a breakout season. Is it price it to the Maple Leafs to search out out? It will appear affordable that the group has requested that query.
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Apart from the enchantment of reuniting him along with his brother, signing the youthful Nylander might be a strategic transfer for the Maple Leafs. With little projected wage cap house and different areas needing consideration, the staff should discover discount buys to fill out their ahead group. Nylander might be a cheap possibility and even comply with a two-way deal. This flexibility would enable the staff to ship him all the way down to play with the American Hockey League (AHL) Toronto Marlies if wanted.
It might be a win-win state of affairs: Nylander might discover his sport, have a productive season, and supply invaluable depth at a really low cap hit.
