Former Columbus Blue Jackets forward Alex Nylander surprised many this offseason when he opted to sign a one-year AHL contract with the Toronto Marlies. Now we know he did so despite having offers from NHL teams,

A 1-2-3 of Matthews, Nylander and Tavares down the middle also brings with it the potential for greater offensive depth. The Leafs have been reliant, overly so at times, on two lines to generate offence over the years, another point of detriment in past postseasons.

Toronto Maple Leafs star forward William Nylander didn’t hold back when reflecting on his limited chances at playing center under former head coach Sheldon Keefe. Speaking during the opening days of training camp, Nylander took a subtle jab at Keefe when asked about why he didn't play center more in the past.

Before any premature talk of William and Alex Nylander playing together, best to first figure where Willy fits positionally. True to new coach Craig Berube’s summer blueprint, Nylander lined up at centre on Thursday’s first day of camp workouts,