Alex Nylander left the Maple Leafs organization and signed with the Calgary Flames. He was just placed on waivers though and Toronto can do something wild: Bring Nylander back.
Nylander was part of the Maple Leafs' organization for the past two seasons after signing a deal in the summer of 2025. While he wasn't expected to be a force at the NHL level, he provided good depth and was a solid veteran piece for the Toronto Marlies, helping them to a Calder Cup last season.
But he was not re-signed this summer and signed a PTO with the Calgary Flames, which translated into a one-year deal with the club he just signed on Friday. However, Saturday came with some interesting news for Nylander as he found himself on waivers as the Flames cut their roster down.
Maple Leafs can do a 180 and bring back Alex Nylander
It's odd given they just signed him to a contract, but if they were looking to make sure they had enough insurance while also keeping themselves flexible, they needed to waive him to do so.
That does open the door though for the Toronto Maple Leafs to do something bold.
The team does have 24 hours to claim Nylander and given that the claim order rests upon their finish in the standings last season, they are the fifth team eligible to place claims on players. If the first four don't want him, then they could add Nylander back into the fold at both the NHL and AHL level.
The team needs a bit more secondary scoring and with how strong Nylander had been in the AHL, a shot at the Maple Leafs isn't a bad idea. Plus, with Daniel Alfredsson helping run things behind the bench, it offers another familiar face who knows what Nylander can bring.
Nylander does have 25 goals and 49 points in 126 career games and while he never reached the heights of his older brother, he can still provide some support. If anything, his return to the Marlies would only strengthen their case that they can repeat as Calder Cup champions.
Nylander would need to prove he's worth the reunion
Despite what he's done in the past, Nylander would need to show that he has a place in the Maple Leafs lineup and that means playing even better than he has. At this point he needs to become undeniable and give Toronto a reason to call him up.
It's about proving that he can hang at the NHL level and for someone who has come in and provided help for other teams in the past, he's a great insurance policy. Plus, there is always a great story to have two brothers as part of the same team, with the potential to raise the Stanley Cup after all is said and done.
He only costs $850,000 however if the Maple Leafs want to sign Nick Blankenburg they are going to need the room.
It may be less of a matter of fit and more of a matter of cost when it comes to bringing back Nylander.
Should the Maple Leafs claim Alex Nylander off waivers?
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