Toronto Maple Leafs Experiment With Young Forward Appears To Be Coming To An End
The Toronto Maple Leafs appear poised to finally end an experiment that would bring a former first round pick to being a consistent member of the lineup.
As injuries made the Leafs have to find ways in which to field a healthy roster, including a move the team was hoping to avoid so soon in calling up rookies Fraser Minten and Nikita Grebenkin from the Toronto Marlies; the riskiest move of all was the Leafs' decision to give one player a last chance.
Time Is Up For Alexander Nylander
The Toronto Maple Leafs gave a one-year, $775k contract to AHL forward Alex Nylander, brother of Leafs star William. The former eighth overall pick has struggled to be a consistent NHLer throughout his career, never living up to his expectations as a prospect.
But with a depleted lineup, there was hope that a chance at real minutes could ignite a spark in the 26-year-old.
The results did not come as Nylander went pointless in five games for Toronto, playing alongside his older brother at times did little to salvage his offense.
Nylander, who in 23 games last season with the Columbus Blue Jackets had 11 goals and 15 points, couldn't show the ability to replicate that flash from the season prior, and for now it looks that audition is one that's coming without a NHL future.
Nylander has already been shown the bench by head coach Craig Berube and the Toronto Maple Leafs, having been benched for Ryan Reaves, who returned from suspension.
Many fans and analysts were quick to note Nylander's difficulties against Pittsburgh in a 5-2 losss, one in which Nylander struggled at both ends of the puck and was a non-factor without.
Sportsnet's JD Bunkis said that this should be Nylander's last game with Toronto, with many others sharing the same sentiment.
Nylander's stint with Toronto was likely always going to be a temporary one unless he proved his play in Columbus wasn't a result of luck and being on the top-six.
Nylander has shown his game isn't suited for the bottom-six, making him a liability for the Leafs who need a strong bottom-six after being carried largely by their top players.
Max Domi is expected to be back in the lineup Tuesdayagainst the New Jersey Devils, according to TSN's Bob McKenzie, with Bobby McMann potentially returning Thursday vs. the Anaheim Ducks.
One of those moves will surely be what sends Nylander back down to the AHL.
Time appears to be running out for Alex Nylander, if it hasn't already.
