Ex-Sabre Rejected NHL Offers for Maple Leafs Chance

This former Buffalo Sabres forward had NHL offers but elected to sign an AHL deal to join the Toronto Maple Leafs organization.

Earlier this offseason, former Buffalo Sabres forward Alex Nylander signed an AHL contract with the Toronto Marlies. Initially, it was a bit surprising to see Nylander only get an AHL deal, as he ended the year on fire after being dealt to the Columbus Blue Jackets. In 23 games with Columbus following the trade, he had 11 goals and 15 points.

However, Nylander has now provided some clarity on the matter. 

While speaking with Sportsnet's Luke Fox, Nylander shared that he received NHL offers from other clubs but opted to sign an AHL deal with the Marlies instead in hopes of earning a contract from the Maple Leafs. 

It is certainly interesting to hear that Nylander elected to sign an AHL deal with the Marlies instead of taking one of the guaranteed NHL offers he received. It is clear that he wants the chance to play with his brother, William Nylander, with the Maple Leafs. However, for that to have any chance of occurring, Alex will need to impress the Maple Leafs and earn an NHL deal.

The Sabres selected Nylander as the eighth pick in the 2016 NHL Entry Draft. In 19 games as a Sabre over three seasons, Nylander had three goals, six points, and a minus-9 rating.   

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