Flames Convert Nylander PTO Into One-Year Contract
Calgary signed Alex Nylander to a one-year, two-way deal carrying an $850,000 NHL cap hit after he spent roughly a month on a professional tryout. The 28-year-old forward recorded a career-best 53 points with the AHL's Toronto Marlies last season and helped them win the Calder Cup. He is expected to begin the season with Calgary's AHL affiliate, the Wranglers.
Calgary-born while his father Michael skated for the Flames, Alex Nylander grew up in Sweden. The 28-year-old joined Calgary's camp on a tryout in late August and earned a one-year, two-way contract with an $850,000 NHL cap hit after two exhibition appearances, including an assist in a shootout loss to Seattle.
Last season with Toronto's AHL club, he posted 24 goals and 29 assists in 65 games, then added six playoff goals during a Calder Cup run. Buffalo drafted him eighth overall in 2016; he has since played for five organizations and logged 126 NHL games. He is expected to begin with Calgary's AHL affiliate.
For Calgary fans and the Wranglers, this signing may add a familiar local storyline and AHL scoring depth, potentially boosting interest in the affiliate. Nylander could get another NHL opportunity if injuries create openings. His path may also resonate with players who use tryouts to revive careers, though the deal's two-way structure means his immediate impact likely remains minor-league focused.