Could Alex Nylander’s Calgary Flames tryout revive his NHL career after leaving the Toronto Maple Leafs organization

The Calgary Flames are inviting Alex Nylander to training camp on a professional tryout after a solid 2025-26 campaign with the Toronto Marlies. The move allows the 28-year-old winger to earn a spot on an NHL roster after spending the last two seasons within the Toronto Maple Leafs organization.He had 24 goals and 29 assists for 53 points in 65 regular-season games with the Toronto Marlies. He added six goals and one assist in 24 playoff games as the Marlies won the Calder Cup, so the Calgary Flames opportunity is a notable next step in his career.Why is Alex Nylander joining Calgary Flames for NHL opportunity?The Calgary Flames are bringing Alex Nylander in on a professional tryout, as his strong AHL production has earned him another opportunity to compete for a spot on an NHL roster, and, Nylander had career bests in goals, assists and points in the 2025-26 AHL regular season. His 53 points were among the top offensive numbers for the Toronto Marlies, and his playoff performance provided more evidence he can be a source of scoring depth.His impact in the postseason was particularly important. Nylander scored in overtime in Game 6 of the Eastern Conference Finals against the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins, lifting the Toronto Marlies into the Calder Cup Finals.A pro tryout doesn't lock in an NHL deal for Nylander. Instead, it gives him a chance to compete for a potential roster spot during training camp and the preseason.The move provides the Calgary Flames a low-risk chance to evaluate a proven AHL scorer. The Calgary Flames finished the 2025-26 regular season with a record of 34-39-9 for 77 points and missed out on the Western Conference playoff picture. So adding competition for scoring roles could be useful.Why is Alex Nylander’s NHL return still uncertain?Nylander has NHL experience, but hasn’t proven himself to be a regular NHL player. He has 25 goals and 49 points in 126 career NHL games with the Buffalo Sabres, Chicago Blackhawks, Pittsburgh Penguins, Columbus Blue Jackets and Toronto Maple Leafs.The opportunity for the Calgary Flames is also huge because Nylander was born in Calgary while his father, Michael Nylander, was playing for the team. His older brother, William Nylander, remains a top forward for the Toronto Maple Leafs, adding another layer to the story.Nylander needs to show up in training camp and the preseason games if he is to convert his tryout with the Calgary Flames into an NHL contract. The opportunity is a direct shot at proving that his AHL season of 53 points can carry over into productive NHL production.Ultimately, it will be up to Calgary to decide whether Nylander offers enough offensive value to make the roster. For Nylander, it’s another chance to turn good minor-league numbers into a sustained return to the NHL.Get the latest Sports News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.