Babcock: Nylander will play in AHL playoffs, not World Championships
Sorry, Sweden.
The Swedish national team's brain trust was in Toronto to scout William Nylander on Monday, and the young man put on an offensive display. He had a career-high three-point night, scoring once and adding two assists, pacing the Maple Leafs to their fifth win in eight games.
And after the game, head coach Mike Babcock made sure there were no doubts: Nylander won't be going to Russia to represent Sweden at the upcoming world championships.
Babcock says Nylander will be playing in AHL playoffs not the worlds. In case there was any doubt.
— James Mirtle (@mirtle) March 22, 2016
The Toronto Marlies are the class of the AHL, leading the league with 46 wins and 97 points. A playoff spot is locked up, and once the Maple Leafs' season is over, Nylander will head back to the Ricoh Coliseum from the Air Canada Centre and suit up in the postseason.
Nylander's first taste of NHL hockey has been fruitful. He has four goals and three assists in 12 games.
Babcock says Nylander "wants to be great."
— James Mirtle (@mirtle) March 22, 2016
"It takes time in this league to become a man and a player."