During the summer or when not working out, hockey players often head to the golf course. Recently, former Maple Leafs player William Nylander was seen golfing, with his brother Alex celebrating William’s impressive albatross—a rare achievement where a player scores three under par on a single hole—on Instagram. After this remarkable shot, Alex posed with William and fellow former Leaf and Washington Capitals defenseman Rasmus Sandin. This isn’t the first offseason success for the Nylander brothers; both triumphed at the first NHLPA Golf Tournament held during RBC Canada’s Open Weekend on May 29th.
While Alex Nylander gains attention on the golf course, his NHL career faces uncertainty with the upcoming season. He didn’t record any points in five games for the Maple Leafs but had a strong showing in the AHL with the Toronto Marlies, scoring 23 goals and 21 assists in 64 games. His 44 points made him the second-leading scorer on the team, behind Alex Steves, who has recently moved on to the Boston Bruins.
Alex initially signed an AHL contract with the Toronto Marlies last month, but with the Leafs’ depth in forwards—including players like Nicholas Roy, Matthias McKelli, and Dakota Joshua—it is unclear where Alex fits in Toronto’s plans. After proving himself in the AHL, his next step might be to seek a professional tryout with another NHL club if he aims to return to the league. He was originally a first-round, 8th overall pick in the 2016 NHL Draft.
(Top image credit: Alex Nylander on Instagram)
Fan Take: This update highlights the challenging transitions many promising young players face as they try to secure a lasting spot in the NHL. For hockey fans, Alex Nylander’s story underscores the competitive nature of pro hockey and the resilience needed to succeed amid roster uncertainties.
