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Alex & William Nylander Make NHL History With the Toronto Maple Leafs

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Antonio Losada | Last updated Nov 25, 2024 6:45 AM ET

For the first time in their NHL careers, William and Alex Nylander shared the ice wearing the Toronto Maple Leafs jersey in Sunday’s 3–2 victory over the Utah Hockey Club.

The game marked a special milestone for the brothers, who became the 13th sibling duo to play for Toronto, the fifth to play a game together for the Maple Leafs, and the 48th to compete in NHL history.

“I mean, just the entire day was special and seeing him out there,” William said after the game. “The first period was kind of just like crazy. It felt pretty crazy and then settled in and it felt more normal.

"So, yeah, it was very special. And, of course, we got the win, which was nice.”

Alex, who joined the Leafs' lineup following a stint with the franchise's affiliate team in the AHL, the Toronto Marlies, was equally ecstatic about the event.

“Something I’ll remember forever,” Alex said.

Leafs head coach Craig Berube praised the unique moment after the game, too.

“It is great, for sure,” Berube said. “Any time you can play with your brother, play some shifts with your brother, and be on the ice with him, it is a special thing. It is a special situation.

"I am very happy for both of them and their dad, who was a player in the league for a long time."

Alex and William Nylander, teammates on NHL ice for the first time. pic.twitter.com/eLCfDF0fCg
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) November 24, 2024

In the game against the Hockey Club, William Nylander contributed a goal and an assist in 22 minutes of playing time while Alex logged 10 minutes attempting two shots on goal.

With their win, the Maple Leafs continued their strong form, improving to 7-1 without captain Auston Matthews and solidifying their place atop the Atlantic Division, currently boasting a 13-6-2 record for 28 total points and sitting third in the Eastern Conference.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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