For forward Alex Nylander, the dream of playing in the National Hockey League remains as vivid as ever. Currently starring for the Toronto Marlies in the American Hockey League, the 27-year-old is using his time in the minors as a springboard, with his sights firmly set on a return to the sport's highest level, ideally alongside his older brother, William, with the Toronto Maple Leafs.
Nylander's Unwavering NHL Mindset
After signing an AHL contract with the Marlies in August, Nylander's primary objective has not wavered. "When you're playing with an AHL contract, anybody can sign you, but I want to play (for the Leafs)," Nylander stated. "I want to prove to them that I can play up there and deserve (an NHL) contract by playing well."
He views his current situation as a significant opportunity to demonstrate his value to the Maple Leafs organization. "My mindset stays the same, to get to the NHL, and I know I can play there," he affirmed.
This path would mirror his journey from last season. After signing an AHL deal in the summer of 2024, a rash of injuries to Leafs forwards last November led to Nylander securing a one-year NHL contract. He appeared in five games for Toronto during that stint.
Through 22 games with the Marlies in the 2025-26 season, Nylander has been a consistent offensive contributor, tying for third in team scoring with 16 points (seven goals and nine assists). He acknowledges a recent stretch where finishing was a challenge but emphasizes his overall strong play. "I think I've been playing really good, really consistent, which has been one thing I've been trying to work on," he said, noting he has five points in his last five games.
The Brotherly Bond and Shared Hockey Dream
A unique advantage for Alex is the daily counsel and support from his brother, Maple Leafs star William Nylander. The two share a residence in Toronto, and hockey is a frequent topic of conversation.
"It's a lot of fun when he's home and I'm home, and we can talk to each other and watch each other's games, and we try to help each other out to be as best as we can," Alex shared. "We love talking hockey. He knows what my goals are. There's even more of a boost to play better and harder, because you want to play with each other."
Across 126 career NHL games with Buffalo, Chicago, Pittsburgh, Columbus, and Toronto, Alex Nylander has recorded 25 goals and 25 assists.
Rookie Noah Chadwick Embracing the Pro Challenge
While Nylander works towards an NHL return, another Marlies player is successfully navigating his first professional season. Rookie defenceman Noah Chadwick, 20, has played in 25 of the team's first 26 games, earning increased responsibility and ice time.
Marlies coach John Gruden praised the young blueliner's development and resilience. "He's getting thrown in the fire a little bit," Gruden said. "He's getting great experience. He's playing in all situations. He has had to expand his role and he has played extremely well."
Gruden highlighted a key moment that demonstrated Chadwick's growth. After a turnover led to a goal against, Chadwick responded with what his coach called "the 15 best minutes I've seen him play all season." This ability to recover from mistakes is a crucial part of his progression.
Chadwick, a former standout with the Lethbridge Hurricanes of the Western Hockey League, is focused on daily improvement. "It's not yesterday's game, it's today's habits," he said. "That's the mentality. Come back to the rink and be a student and put the work in every day."
He identified adapting to the pro game's defensive demands as a key area of focus. "Defending well against bigger guys who are a little bit more intelligent with using their body has been a big change," Chadwick noted. "It's about being a little more calculated on the defensive side."
As both players continue their seasons with the Marlies, their paths represent different stages of professional hockey development, united by a common goal of contributing to the future success of the Toronto Maple Leafs organization.
