The Toronto Maple Leafs recalled first-round pick William Nylander from Sweden’s MODO, and while that seemingly only amounts to him moving on to the AHL, it was enough of a development to generate a widespread reaction this morning.
(For what it’s worth, the Leafs themselves haven’t announced it yet, but MODO and a wealth of other sources passed the word along.)
Some Maple Leafs fans may want to see the promising son of Michael Nylander in action at the NHL level this season, yet it sounds like the plan is to get him acquainted with the North American game. TSN’s Bob McKenzie cites that plus some upheaval with MODO as to why this move was made, while Sportsnet’s Damien Cox reports that he won’t play at the NHL level “regardless of injuries.”
Some wondered if the 18-year-old might jump straight to the Leafs after impressing the organization shortly after they selected him eighth overall in 2014. Toronto resisted, and Nylander’s acquitted himself nicely overseas, scoring 20 points in 21 games for MODO.
At minimum, a few more eyes could be on the AHL’s Toronto Marlies thanks to this move.