According to multiple reports, the Calgary Flames have signed winger Alex Nylander to a professional try‑out and he will attend the team’s training camp next month. The 28‑year‑old forward is not under contract with the Maple Leafs organization and has been an unrestricted free agent since July 1, meaning he was free to sign with any club. Nylander spent the previous two seasons with the Toronto Marlies, the American Hockey League affiliate of the Maple Leafs, where he played mainly to be near his brother William and to gain professional experience. During the 2023‑24 season he recorded 24 goals and 53 points in 65 games, trailing only Logan Shaw on the Marlies scoring list, who had 54 points in seven more games. His contributions helped the Marlies win the Calder Cup, marking the most recent hockey championship for Toronto. Although Nylander was not guaranteed a return to the Marlies even without the Flames’ offer, the article notes that his brother William remains with the Maple Leafs organization, making a potential AHL‑only contract for Alex plausible. The Flames are projected to be one of the worst teams in the NHL for the upcoming season, with their forward group possibly ranking as the weakest among all 32 clubs, which should create openings for players competing for roster spots. If Nylander performs well during training camp, he could earn an NHL contract or at least secure a call‑up option, given his history of point production in the AHL. The piece concludes by noting that Nylander will have the chance to play in the same city as his brother while pursuing a return to the top league.
Key facts
- Alex Nylander is 28 years old
- He scored 24 goals and 53 points in 65 AHL games for the Marlies in 2023‑24
- He has been an unrestricted free agent since July 1
- The Flames are projected to be among the worst NHL teams next season