TORONTO - There was always a plan.
Having spent part of last and all of this season with the AHL's Toronto Marlies, Maple Leafs prospect William Nylander was always direct about where he'd rather be.
"I want to play in the NHL this season," the 19-year-old said.
The Maple Leafs enforced patience on their Swedish prospect. On Monday, however, Nylander finally got the call from Maple Leafs assistant general manager Kyle Dubas, informing him of the news he'd long been waiting to hear - he's a Maple Leaf.
"It's going to be a tough game, I've never played at this level before," Nylander said ahead of his NHL debut. "It'll be interesting to see how it unfolds."
It's time, apparently
Selected eighth overall in the 2014 NHL Entry Draft, Nylander began his first year in the Toronto organization playing in the Swedish Hockey League. He would join the Marlies midway through the year, scoring 14 goals and 32 points in 37 games.
This season, Nylander's been even better, producing at a torrid pace. He has 18 goals and 45 points in 37 games.
Helping ease Nylander's transition to the show are the plethora of Marlies teammates who were called up along with him - forwards Kasperi Kapanen, Nikita Soshnikov, and Zach Hyman. All four will suit up in their first NHL games Monday.
A lot in common
Nylander and Kapanen, in particular, have formed quite the bond over the years. Both will become second-generation NHLers at the same time. Their fathers, Michael Nylander and Sami Kapanen, played 1,751 games combined in the NHL. When William and Kasperi learned they were being called up, both were sure to keep it to themselves.
"I actually didn't have any idea Willy was going to be here," Kapanen said. "We didn't want to text each other in case the other didn't get the text. We were kind of quiet but I saw him in the locker room when I got here and we started laughing."
Both players spent time at this year's World Junior Hockey Championship, but with different fates. Nylander suffered a concussion early in the tournament and was shut down. Kapanen scored the golden goal for Team Finland on home soil.
Kapanen has eight goals and 22 points in 32 games in the AHL.
Easing the pain
All four call-ups will be sent down for a couple of minutes Monday afternoon as part of a paper transaction, before being called up minutes later. The process is done to ensure all four are eligible to play for the Marlies when the AHL playoffs begin.
"We've been talking with them and what we did is try to put these players in the best position to have success," head coach Mike Babcock said. "We've tried to build structure in exhibition."
With many eyes on Nylander, the Maple Leafs have crowded the playing field by calling up myriad prospects.
There will be a lot of nerves for the kids, but there will also be comfort in having several Marlies teammates - who have been dominant in the AHL - on the bench.
With 88 points in 56 games, the Marlies are far clear of any other team in the AHL. There is nothing left for Nylander to prove in the minors in the regular season.
Maple Leafs management has been weary of calling up players before they are ready, but the top prospects are being rewarded for their play. The Marlies' success and the Maple Leafs' struggles have changed the team's plans.
Now, it's up to the young guns to show what they can do.
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