"Nepotism" "Crazy he couldn’t get a NHL job": Hockey fans react as William Nylander’s brother Alex signs with Maple Leafs’ AHL affiliate

Alex Nylander, brother of Maple Leafs star William Nylander, has signed with the Marlies, the AHL affiliate team of Toronto. Earlier this year, William Nylander also inked a eight-year, $92,000,000 contract with the Leafs. Now there's another good news in the form of Alex's contract.

The Marlies announced on X:

"News | We've signed forward Alex Nylander to a one-year AHL contract."

Soon NHL fans joined in the comment section to talk about Alex Nylander's contract.

"Crazy he couldn’t get an NHL job. Exciting for the farm," one fan said with surprise that he didn’t make the NHL.

"Nepotism," one fan simply said.

"Wouldn't it be awesome to see Alex find his footing with his brother on the same team and maybe the same line. Its only an AHL deal as of now, but seeing how Alex finished the season last year with CBJ shows he can compete at the NHL level, just needs to find consistency," a fan said.

Here are some more fans reacting to the Alex Nylander news on X:

"I can totally see him getting an nhl contract if he performs," one fan speculated.

"My guess is the leafs don’t want to commit money to him rn and want to see how he performs in the A before signing him," a fan detailed the Leafs' perspective.

"Can’t believe they got him on an AHL contract. Thought for sure he’d be getting at least a 2 way," a fan said.

"1st exhibition game better feature the Nylander bros on the same line. Dream come true for those guys I bet," one fan said.

William Nylander's new contract with Maple Leafs and his performance

William Nylander signed an eight-year, $92 million contract with the Toronto Maple Leafs in January. The contract averages $11.5 million annually and starts next season. Born in Calgary, Nylander now considers Toronto home.

“This has been home for me, this is the longest I’ve spent in one place in my entire life,” Nylander said. “It was funny the other day. I was talking to a friend, and I said, ‘And then we go home’ and I was referring to Toronto. Without even thinking about it, this is home.” (via NHL.com)

William Nylander missed three playoff games due to migraines but scored three goals in the last two first-round games. He added 18 shots, six hits and five blocked shots.

Despite Toronto’s early playoff exit, William Nylander's future is secure. He had his second straight 40-goal season and a career-high 98 points in 82 games.