In a move that has hockey fans buzzing with excitement, the New Toronto Marlies winger, Alex Nylander, is set to join forces with his big brother, William Nylander, in the center of the hockey universe next season. The dynamic duo is gearing up for what promises to be an unforgettable experience on the ice together.
“He was obviously really happy,” Alex shared with TSN, giving a glimpse into the brothers’ excitement. “We’re really looking forward to this. It’s going to be awesome. I’ve obviously watched the Leafs the most out of all the teams, so I know [them] really well. We’ll live together and all that stuff. It can’t get any better.”
But the potential for more excitement looms on the horizon. After signing an American Hockey League contract with the Marlies, Alex has his sights set on earning an NHL deal to potentially play alongside William with the Maple Leafs.
“It helps you get even more motivated,” Alex noted during a Zoom call from Stockholm. “He’s going to be there all the time. He’ll be able to see what I’m doing. He’s going to push me and I’m going to do the same thing to him … Playing together on the same team would be amazing.”
The Nylander brothers have a history of success when they team up, as seen during the 2016 World Juniors where they were linemates and dominated the ice. Their chemistry and understanding of each other’s game make them a formidable duo on the ice.
“We’re kind of similar players,” Alex explained. “We both can shoot and like to pass at the same time. We both like to hold onto the pucks and make plays from there. I kind of know what he’s going to try to do. He’s so good, so he can just find you whenever. Our chemistry is good.”
Their synergy isn’t just limited to game days, as the brothers also train together in the off-season. However, their competitive spirit sometimes leads to clashes on the ice.
“We’ve been playing together the past few summers,” Alex shared with a grin. “They had to put us together so we wouldn’t go at it, because we would get so mad at each other. We had to change it up and be on the same team.”
Meanwhile, William has been a steady force in the NHL since being drafted by the Leafs in 2014. His impressive career trajectory includes a standout season with 98 points in 82 games, earning him a spot in the All-Star Game and a lucrative eight-year contract extension.
“He’s just been getting better every day,” Alex marveled. “He still strives. He still drives. He’s determined every year to get better and wants to prove that he wants to be one of the best. So, obviously that helps me and pushes me … He’s just so determined to get that Stanley Cup now. He’s working every day. It’s awesome to see, actually, how much work he puts in on and off the ice.”
The prospect of the Nylander brothers taking the ice together is not just a dream for the siblings but a tantalizing possibility for hockey fans everywhere. With their shared passion for the game and undeniable talent, the future looks bright for this dynamic duo as they prepare to make their mark on the hockey world.