Toronto Maple Leafs place Knies on injured reserve and sign Alex Nylander for a year

Toronto Maple Leafs Sign Alex Nylander to One-Year Contract

The Toronto Maple Leafs have been dealing with a slew of injuries, with the latest blow being forward Matthew Knies placed on injured reserve. To fill the gap, the Leafs have signed Alex Nylander to a one-year contract and recalled him from the AHL Marlies.

Knies sustained an upper-body injury in a collision with Las Vegas defenseman Zach Whitecloud during Toronto’s recent game. The injury has landed Knies on injured reserve retroactive to the game he was injured in.

With captain Auston Matthews, Max Domi, David Kampf, Max Pacioretty, and Calle Jarnkrok already sidelined due to injuries, the addition of Nylander provides much-needed depth to the roster. Additionally, Ryan Reaves is serving a five-game suspension for an illegal hit, further thinning out the Leafs’ lineup.

Despite the controversy surrounding the hit on Knies, Leafs coach Craig Berube accepted the league’s ruling that deemed it a clean hit. The team will now have to regroup and adjust to the absence of key players as they face upcoming games against Utah and the Florida Panthers.

Veteran defenseman Oliver Ekman-Larsson was also absent from practice due to illness, prompting the Leafs to recall Philippe Myers from the Marlies for reinforcement. Nylander’s contract is valued at $775,000, making him a cost-effective addition to the team.

Nylander, younger brother of Leafs star William Nylander, has shown promise with eight goals and four assists in 14 AHL games this season. With a solid track record in both the AHL and NHL, Nylander brings experience and skill to the Leafs’ forward line.

Having previously played for teams like Columbus, Pittsburgh, Chicago, and Buffalo, Nylander’s versatility and scoring ability make him a valuable asset for the Leafs. His international experience, including a silver medal win at the World Junior Championships, further adds to his credentials.

The Leafs have seen a series of call-ups due to injuries, with players like Fraser Minter making an impact with his first NHL goal. As the team navigates through this challenging period, Nylander’s arrival provides a much-needed boost to their lineup.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published on Nov. 22, 2024.