Alex Nylander joins Flames after limited Maple Leafs opportunities in NHL

After two seasons with the Toronto Maple Leafs organization, Alex Nylander is heading to the Calgary Flames on a professional tryout at training camp. The move gives the 28-year-old forward another shot at fighting for an NHL roster spot after limited action at the highest level in Toronto.This follows Nylander having one of his better recent seasons in the AHL with the Toronto Marlies. He played a part in helping the Marlies to a Calder Cup win, but his NHL opportunities remained scarce.Why did Alex Nylander join Calgary Flames now?The pro tryout provides Alex Nylander another chance to vie for NHL employment, and it also means he’s in the Calgary Flames’ training-camp plans.Nylander had 24 goals, 29 assists and 53 points in 65 regular-season games with the Toronto Marlies in the 2025-26 AHL season. He scored six goals and added seven points in 24 playoff games as Toronto claimed the Calder Cup.That outing is why Nylander remains an intriguing depth option even with an inconsistent NHL career. The Buffalo Sabres selected him eighth overall in the 2016 NHL Draft, but he has recorded 49 points in 126 NHL games.Nylander most recently played in the NHL in 2024-25 with the Toronto Maple Leafs, where he appeared in five games and did not record a point. Most of his recent production has been at the AHL level, though.His move to Calgary is thus a chance to reboot his NHL career. But there’s no guarantee of an NHL contract or a spot on the roster with the PTO. Nylander will have to impress the Calgary Flames in training camp and preseason.Could Calgary Flames become Alex Nylander’s NHL breakthrough?The Calgary Flames offer Nylander a new environment, though a permanent NHL spot is still up for grabs. His strong AHL production makes a strong case for another opportunity, while his career NHL numbers explain why the Flames will likely be cautious with him.Nylander’s immediate goal is simple: take his scoring success with the Toronto Marlies and parlay it into an NHL opportunity with the Calgary Flames. Alex Nylander is exiting the Toronto Maple Leafs organization after two seasons, signing a professional tryout with the Calgary Flames, and the 28-year-old forward is coming off a solid 2025-26 AHL season with the Toronto Marlies, helping them win the Calder Cup. Nylander could get another chance to play in the NHL in Calgary.The move gives Nylander a fresh opportunity after limited NHL action in Toronto. He recorded 24 goals and 53 points in 65 AHL games last season before adding seven points during the Marlies’ championship run. His NHL experience includes stops with several teams, making Calgary another important chance to revive his career.Get the latest Sports News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.