Alexander Nylander

It's too early to give up on Nylander altogether, but owners in redraft leagues should probably look elsewhere until he shows some signs of development. The younger brother of Toronto's William Nylander was also selected eighth overall, but Alexander hasn't found nearly as much success, registering only six points in 19 games with the Sabres and a pedestrian 86 points in 165 AHL games since Buffalo took him in the 2016 draft. While an offseason trade to Chicago has given Nylander a fresh start, he's no lock to even make the roster. This is a guy to keep an eye on in camp, but nothing more for now.

Admittedly, the success of older brother William has put some pressure on Alexander to make his mark right away. However, two seasons into his pro career he's appeared in just seven games in the NHL, including three last year. The Sabres are bringing Nylander along slowly, but he showed a lot of improvement in his second season with AHL Rochester based on 27 points in 51 games in addition to dominating the competition at the World Juniors again. Nylander is an ideal scorer for either of Buffalo's two young centers, but he may not be ready for the rigors of the NHL yet, so he'll likely spend another season in the AHL where he's guaranteed to be a top-line player and a go-to scoring option.

Nylander scored 17 points in 29 games with AHL Rochester to begin the 2016-17 season and was a dynamic force for Team Sweden at the World Juniors, but he struggled mightily upon his return and finished with just 28 points in 65 games for the Amerks. Entering his second pro season, Nylander will be hard-pressed to secure an NHL roster spot unless he has an outstanding training camp. The son of former NHL star Michael Nylander and the younger brother of budding young Maple Leafs star William Nylander, Alexander carries the weight of great expectations as the 2016 draft’s eighth overall pick, but he needs more time to adjust, gain strength and develop his skills. The likely plan for the 19-year-old Nylander is for him to play a significant role in the AHL and serve as an occasional call-up as necessary, followed by a chance to earn a full-time roster spot in 2018-19.

Buffalo’s first-round pick in the 2016 draft, Nylander led OHL Mississauga in scoring with 75 points in 57 games during the regular season and 12 points in six playoff games, displaying the same kind of creative playmaking ability that got older brother William drafted in the first-round in 2014. The younger Nylander is a little bigger, but there’s certainly no shortage of skill and he projects to be a first-line winger. However, the Sabres aren’t a contender yet and may not carry Nylander on the roster for the 2016-17 season, instead letting the 18-year-old develop further in major junior or the AHL. The Sabres didn’t hesitate to send Sam Reinhart back to the WHL for another year and reaped the benefits when he scored 23 goals as a rookie last season; Nylander may be on the same path.