Leafs Sign Alex Nylander Amid Injury Woes, Matthews Knies Hits IR

 

FRI NOV 22ND - TORONTO: The Toronto Maple Leafs announced a pair of significant roster moves on Friday as they continue to navigate a growing list of injuries among their forward group. The team signed forward Alex Nylander to a one-year, prorated contract worth $775,000 and recalled him from the AHL's Toronto Marlies. The deal, a one-way contract, signals the Leafs' confidence in Nylander's potential to contribute at the NHL level, though he will require passing waivers if the Leafs wish to send him back to the AHL. 

This move comes on the heels of another setback for Toronto, as winger Matthew Knies was placed on injured reserve retroactive to November 20th. Knies sustained an upper-body injury during Wednesday's 3-0 win over the Vegas Golden Knights, leaving the game after a punishing hit from defenseman Zach Whitecloud. While the penalty on Whitecloud was overturned following a review, the loss of Knies further depletes a Toronto lineup already missing key players including, Auston Matthews, Max Domi, Calle Jarnkrok, Max Pacioretty, David Kampf and Ryan Reaves.  

Nylander Joins the Fold

Alex Nylander, the younger brother of Maple Leafs star William Nylander, has had a strong start to the 2024-2025 season with the Toronto Marlies. In 14 games, the 26-year-old has tallied 8 goals and 12 points, showcasing the offensive spark that made him the eighth overall pick in the 2016 NHL Draft. While his NHL career has been inconsistent - spanning 121 games with 25 goals and 49 points - Nylander demonstrated his scoring potential last season. He netted 11 goals and 15 points in 28 games, with the majority of his production coming during a 23-game stint with the Columbus Blue Jackets. 

Bringing Nylander into the lineup gives Toronto a versatile scoring option, one they hope can help offset the absence of several key forwards. His chemistry with his brother William, a centerpiece of the Leafs' offense, could also prove beneficial. The Nylander brothers last played together at the 2016 World Junior Championship, where they briefly lined up as teammates before William exited the tournament due to injury.  

Knies' Absence a Major Blow

Knies' placement on the IR adds to a mounting injury crisis for Toronto. The 21-year-old has been a key contributor this season, with 8 goals and 12 points through 20 games. A second-round pick in 2021, Knies has rapidly established himself as a valuable power-forward, combining his size, skill and a knack for timely scoring. 

Head coach Craig Berube offered an update on Knies' status Friday, expressing cautious optimism. "if he keeps progressing in the right direction, then there's a possibility down the road here soon," Berube said. 

In Knies' absence, the Leafs will need reinforcements to step up. Max Domi, sidelined in recent games, is eligible to return Sunday, and Berube did not rule out his participation in Toronto's matchup against the Utah Hockey Club. 

A Bigger Picture   

Toronto's list of injuries is testing its depth in a way few anticipated at the beginning of the year. With seven forwards now sidelined, the team has been forced to rely heavily on the minor-league system and the adaptability of healthy players. The signing and recall of Nylander, however, signals a strategic move to address the immediate need while potentially adding a long-term asset to the roster. 

For Nylander, this is a big opportunity to rewrite the narrative of his NHL career. For Toronto, it's a chance to turn adversity into discovery, tapping into their depth to stay competitive. As the injuries continue to pile up, the Leafs have remained steadfast and relentless in adjusting their lineup and continuing to win games, however, one has to ask, how long can they keep this up?