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July 26, 2026Sources cited
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Alex Nylander

Alex Nylander is a Canadian-born Swedish professional ice hockey forward.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Alex Nylander is a Canadian-born Swedish professional ice hockey forward. He was selected eighth overall by the Buffalo Sabres in the 2016 NHL Entry Draft and has played in the NHL and AHL for several organizations, including Buffalo, Chicago, Pittsburgh, Columbus, and Toronto.

Early life and junior career

Nylander was born in Calgary and developed as a Swedish-linked prospect before entering the NHL draft. Publicly available profiles identify him as a Canadian-born Swedish player with junior hockey experience in North America.

Professional career

He was selected by Buffalo in 2016 and went on to play for multiple NHL clubs while also spending extensive time in the AHL. His career has included NHL stints with Buffalo, Chicago, Pittsburgh, Columbus, and Toronto, along with AHL assignments and contracts.

International play

Nylander has represented Sweden in international competition. Sources note his appearance at the 2018 IIHF World Junior Championship, where Sweden earned silver.

Family

Alex Nylander is the younger brother of William Nylander, who has played for the Toronto Maple Leafs. The brothers have both been selected eighth overall in their respective NHL drafts.

Key facts

  • Nylander was drafted eighth overall by the Buffalo Sabres in 2016.
  • He is the younger brother of Toronto Maple Leafs forward William Nylander.
  • He has played NHL games for Buffalo, Chicago, Pittsburgh, Columbus, and Toronto.
  • He recorded his first NHL hat trick with the Columbus Blue Jackets on March 4, 2024.
  • Internationally, he represented Sweden and won silver at the 2018 IIHF World Junior Championship.
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Canadian context

Born in Calgary, Alberta, Nylander is part of a Canada-linked hockey family and has Canadian roots, though he represents Sweden internationally.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Alex Nylander?
Alex Nylander is a Canadian-born Swedish professional ice hockey forward who has played in the NHL and AHL.
When was Alex Nylander drafted?
He was selected eighth overall by the Buffalo Sabres in the 2016 NHL Entry Draft.
Which teams has he played for in the NHL?
He has played NHL games for Buffalo, Chicago, Pittsburgh, Columbus, and Toronto.
What position does he play?
He is listed as a left wing, and some profiles also describe him as a winger who can play both wing and centre.
Does Alex Nylander have a famous brother?
Yes. He is the younger brother of William Nylander of the Toronto Maple Leafs.
Has he played internationally for Sweden?
Yes. Sources note that he represented Sweden at the 2018 IIHF World Junior Championship and won silver.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alexander_Nylander
    Supports: Draft position, NHL/AHL career moves, first NHL hat trick, Toronto Marlies contract, career timeline
  2. NHL.com — https://www.nhl.com/mapleleafs/news/maple-leafs-sign-alex-nylander-to-a-one-year-contract
    Supports: Toronto Maple Leafs contract, AHL/NHL statistics, career games and points, Buffalo draft selection, international play
  3. ESPN — https://www.espn.com/nhl/player/bio/_/id/4024861/alexander-nylander
    Supports: Position, birthdate, birthplace, height/weight, draft info, active status
  4. NHLPA — https://www.nhlpa.com/player/4467/alex-nylander/
    Supports: Position, birthplace, physical details, draft round and pick
  5. TSN — https://www.tsn.ca/nhl/marlies-sign-alex-nylander-to-one-year-ahl-contract-1.2154812
    Supports: Toronto Marlies AHL contract, brother William Nylander, career summary, international representation
  6. Elite Prospects — https://www.eliteprospects.com/player/212641/alexander-nylander
    Supports: Date of birth, birthplace, nationality, position, height, weight, draft selection