Sabres choose Alexander Nylander 8th overall
The Buffalo Sabres selected Mississauga Steelheads forward Alexander Nylander with the 8th overall pick in the 2016 NHL Draft on Friday.
Alexander Nylander
Position: Left Wing
Height: 6-foot
Weight: 172 pounds
Age: 18
Club: Mississauga (OHL)
Nationality: Swedish
| GP | G | A | P | ES GPG | ES PPG | ES GF% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 57 | 28 | 47 | 75 | 0.316 | 0.807 | 57.143 |
(Even-strength stats courtesy: prospect-stats.com)
Nylander was NHL Central Scouting's third-ranked North American skater heading into the draft. The 18-year-old was also named the OHL's Rookie of the Year after pacing all first-year players with 75 points in 57 games.
While his club was ousted in the first-round of the OHL playoffs to the Barrie Colts, it was no fault of Nylander, who managed six goals and 12 points in six games.
The young Swede not only has a heavy shot and incredible hands, but he can also beat the opposition with his great vision and passing. Not being overly physical, Nylander's high-end goal scoring ability makes up for his short-comings at the defensive end of the rink.
He's the second member of the Nylander family to be drafted in the eighth spot.
Alex Nylander's brother William also went 8th in the #NHLDraft (2014, TOR). He was coached by their dad in 2015-16. pic.twitter.com/ROkFZrw1zp
— NHL Public Relations (@PR_NHL) June 25, 2016
The Sabres need a defenseman, but general manager Tim Murray took the best player on the board, and the pick was completely justifiable.
If and when Nylander is ready to line up alongside Jack Eichel and Sam Reinhart, Buffalo will be blessed with one of the most dynamic top lines in the league.