Maple Leafs sign Alex Nylander to 1-year contract

The Toronto Maple Leafs signed forward Alex Nylander to a one-year contract worth a prorated $775,000 and recalled him from the AHL, the team announced Friday.

It's a one-way deal, per TSN's Chris Johnston. Nylander would need to clear waivers before being sent back to the AHL.

Toronto placed Matthew Knies on injured reserve retroactive to Nov. 20 in a corresponding move.

Nylander joined the organization in July after signing a one-year AHL pact with the Toronto Marlies. He's since put up eight goals and 12 points in 14 contests.

The 26-year-old appeared in 28 NHL outings last season, split between the Pittsburgh Penguins and the Blue Jackets. He potted 11 goals and 15 points, all of which came during his 23-game stint in Columbus. That production equates to a 39-goal pace over a full campaign.

Nylander has amassed 25 goals and 49 points in 121 career NHL games. The Buffalo Sabres selected him eighth overall at the 2016 NHL Draft.

He appeared in a career-high 65 games with the Chicago Blackhawks in 2019-2020.

Alex is the younger brother of Maple Leafs star William Nylander. The two were linemates at the 2016 World Juniors before William was knocked out of the tournament with an injury.

Toronto is set to host Utah on Sunday at 7 p.m. ET.