Toronto Maple Leafs‘ 1st round pick in the 2014 draft (#8 overall) Swedish center William Nylander(39) is getting an opportunity to shine in the big league.
In 6 games he has his first pair of NHL goals.
The speedy and crafty stick handling 5’11” 169 lbs. forward is getting plenty of ice time, including power play minutes to show off his abilities.
He’s been absolutely tearing up the minors with Toronto Marlies.
Arriving during the middle of last season after being loaned to MODO of the SHL (8-12-20 in 21 games) the youngster immediately started putting up points scoring 14 goals and 18 assists in 37 AHL games.
A late reassignment to their affiliate after an extended training camp look heading into 2015/2016, he has been hard at work inserting more intensity into his game and his offensive numbers are popping with new career highs 18 goals 27 assists for 45 points.
His scoring prowess coming to North American hockey makes sense considering he played his first pro contests at age 16 in tier two league Allsvenskan with Sodertalje SK.
Turning just 20-years old in a couple months, he is signed through 2017/2018 and will likely see his last time with the farm club in the upcoming Calder Cup Playoffs.
His dad is former 20-year veteran Michael Nylander.