What's going on with Alex Nylander?

[Bloomfield*]

Played superb in the wjc, but his ahl stats is alarming. I thought he played better then william did at wjc, but much worse then william in ahl.

 

[TOGuy14]

1. He played in the AHL as an 18 year old, that is very young

2. He came from playing in the CHL, he doesn't have the same experience against the older stronger players that his brother did playing in SWE, needs to adjust

3. His flow just can't compete with Willy baby. He needs to work on that head lettuce if he really wants to succeed at the next level

 

[Bloomfield*]

Maybe william did the right choice choosing shl over chl.

 

[Maitz]

My question may sound stupid but why was he eligible for the AHL this year? He played for a CHL team right ? Isn't he supposed to stay with his CHL until 20 years old?

 

[Tyler2829]

He played on an awful Rochester team that followed the same awful system that Bylsma used in Buffalo.

He looked good in his short stint in Buff at the end of the year.

Still has some things to work on though. He'll probably start next year in the A and hopefully be worthy of a permanent call-up within the season.

 

[Bloomfield*]

My question may sound stupid but why was he eligible for the AHL this year? He played for a CHL team right ? Isn't he supposed to stay with his CHL until 20 years old?

Was loaned out to shl to fool the system

 

[Maitz]

Was loaned out to shl to fool the system

Ok thank you!

 

[GellMann]

He's still very small and slight and played on a terrible AHL team that focused on Bylsma-style hockey. You can imagine how well a player like Alex with his size did in a chip and chase, grind them down on the boards type of play. He should have gone back to juniors IMO. He's not ruined but that was not a good way to have him spend the year.

 

[Royal Thunder]

He was one of the youngest players in the AHL on a terrible team playing Bylsma's anti-success, dump and chase, get outshot 2:1 brand of hockey. His AHL stats are really not alarming for an 18 year old. He came up for a short stint at the end of the year and was impressive, more natural talent than most of the team. He just needs some time to add strength because his skill is undeniable.

 

[X66]

I think he'll be fine.

I think the biggest thing is to not compare him to his brother, they're different players style wise IMO.

W.Nylander is that type of player that needs the puck on his stick(deservedly so) and can hold on to the puck much longer than 99% of players.

A.Nylander can play a more give/stop and go game that can finish off plays at a high level.

 

[bigbabybuda]

Very few players ever play in the AHL as 18 year olds. He points total from last year puts him at 5th or 6th highest all-time. That was with playing on a horrible team with a horrific style of play. I wouldn't be concerned with his progress in the least.

 

[MapleLeafs9]

1. He played in the AHL as an 18 year old, that is very young

2. He came from playing in the CHL, he doesn't have the same experience against the older stronger players that his brother did playing in SWE, needs to adjust

3. His flow just can't compete with Willy baby. He needs to work on that head lettuce if he really wants to succeed at the next level

Your #1 point isn't a valid excuse IMO. Willie was 18 when he played in the AHL and he was still near PPG. He was also a lot smaller than Alex.

Your #3 point, you realize both of these Nylander boys won't have their hair for very much longer right?

 

[Tkachuk Norris]

The AHL is a tough league. Rarely do kids in their draft + 1 year have success in the AHL. Especially ones that are coming from Juniour.

 

[TheBeastCoast]

Your #1 point isn't a valid excuse IMO. Willie was 18 when he played in the AHL and he was still near PPG. He was also a lot smaller than Alex.

Your #3 point, you realize both of these Nylander boys won't have their hair for very much longer right?

Hair loss is generally a gene passed through the mothers side. So in theory Micheal Nylander being bald doesn't mean they will be bald.

 

[Menzinger]

Is there a systemic issue with Buffalos player development system?

 

[Mauler]

Buffalo need to show patience with A Nylander like Toronto did with Willy... They should have left him in Mississauga this season and the next season in Rochester but they rushed him i just hope they dont hurt his development

 

[Wood Stick]

William Nylander is so good looking.

 

[tsujimoto74]

1) He's a skinny 18-year-old playing in a men's league
2) For the 1st time (never played above his age group/in pro hockey before)
2) On a garbage team

He'll be fine. We all saw how he stacked up against his peers at the WJCs, and that wasn't even his final year of eligibility for the tournament.

 

[leafsfuture]

I watched his first NHL game. He didnt have that big an impact on the game.... but I was impressed.

Most 18 year olds dont look that good in their first NHL game. He was strong with the puck, made some plays in terms of creating a cycle, and positionally he was decent.

He should spend most of next year in the AHL, but he will be NHL ready soon. Just wait till he gets a bit stronger and faster. Hes got more of a "rugged NHL style" game than his brother

 

[paulmm3]

Yeah tsujimoto74 summarizes my feelings as well. 180lb 18 year old playing on a terrible, terrible team. Sure it would have been great to see him score more points last year but I'm not concerned about his development nor am I trying to sell low on him.

 

[Hockeyisl1fe]

1) He's a skinny 18-year-old playing in a men's league
2) For the 1st time (never played above his age group/in pro hockey before)
2) On a garbage team

He'll be fine. We all saw how he stacked up against his peers at the WJCs, and that wasn't even his final year of eligibility for the tournament.

This

 

[HarryLime]

The problem with you is that you're measuring him to a God. It's just not fair to do that tbh

 

[NHL Dude 120]

So is he meeting folks expectations?

 

[Mattilaus]

So is he meeting folks expectations?

I think for most folks, yes. For those who expected an undersized 18 year old, on a terrible team, to light the world on fire, no.

 

[TheBeastCoast]

So is he meeting folks expectations?

I don't think he exceeded expectations but it is hard to expect much from an 18 year old in the AHL. A lot of things have to be set up right for success at that age in a league like that. This coming season is going to be extremely important for him though, if he does end up in the AHL again which he probably should I would think expectations should be higher.