Get to know the Buffalo Sabres newest prospect!
The Buffalo Sabres selected Canadian-born Swedish forward Alexander Nylander with the 8th pick in the 2016 NHL Entry Draft, much to the delight of anyone who was hoping the Sabres would choose offense over defense in the first round.
The right-handed winger who has spent a good deal of time playing on the left side of the ice has been described as one of the best pure goal-scorers in this year’s draft by The Draft Analyst. He has a heavy-shot, a great set of hands, and the ability to create scoring opportunities for his teammates, so of course you should all be dreaming about seeing him play on a line alongside Jack Eichel and Sam Reinhart.
Some of you may already know that Alexander’s brother is William Nylander, who plays for the Toronto Maple Leafs, so that ought to add a nice element to the Sabres-Leafs rivlary. However, there is probably a lot you DON’T know about Nylander, so here are some snippets from the Q&A he sat down for following his being selected by the Buffalo Sabres, courtesy of the NHL Public Relations department (transcript by ASAP Sports).
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On his style of play:
I think I’m a playmaker who is a game-breaker, also, and has got very good hockey sense with good vision, able to create plays offensively, and I think I have abilities to make my linemates better.
On the looming rivalry with his brother William in Toronto:
Yes, it is. It’s going to be a lot of fun playing against my brother. I’ve heard the rivalry is really big. It’s just going to be fun playing with the Buffalo Sabres one day.
On playing with the Buffalo Sabres organization:
Oh, it’s perfect. Got a lot of young players. It’s a really good team, and they’re trying to build up now, and they’re going to be very good for the next year. They have a great organization, and they know what to do with the players. It’s just going to be amazing.
On the Buffalo Sabres’ rebuild and playoff chances:
I think starting from next year, they’ve got a really good team heading up. I saw them play a couple times last year since they were in Toronto and my brother was called up. They’re looking really good, and they’re going to have a really good team for next year.
On who talks the most trash (him or his brother):
I don’t know. Maybe my brother.
On who has the better hair (him or his brother):
Me. I’ve got the better hair.
On whether he is excited to play with Jack Eichel and Sam Reinhart:
Yes, of course. I was watching the draft when Reinhart got drafted and my brother was there. And Eichel. And they’re great, phenomenal players. They can find you anywhere on the ice, and it’ll be really fun playing with them one day.
Next: Sabres Draft Alexander Nylander With 8th Pick in 2016 Draft
There you have it: great hair, great scoring ability, and a positive attitude about coming to play with the Buffalo Sabres. There were a lot of fans who were hoping the Sabres would get Alexander Nylander last night, and with good reason. The future is bright in the 716!