Top UFAs with Most Upside: Alex Nylander, Oliver Kylington

We’ve reached Day 10 of the NHL’s unrestricted free agency period, and most signings are done.

Almost all notable free agents have joined one of the league’s 32 teams. Even many lesser-known players have found spots, and those who haven’t are getting offers from European teams. By this time each year, remaining free agents usually fall into three categories: veterans close to retirement (like Mark Giordano and Joe Pavelski), AHL-level players (such as Radim Zohorna and Austin Czarnik), or reclamation projects.

The AHL-level players often sign in Europe within two weeks or hold out for a PTO in August or September. But now, there aren’t many reclamation projects left since July 1. Let’s look at two young players who might still have something to offer any team that picks them up this summer.

Alex Nylander

Nylander, the younger brother of William Nylander, had scored 14 NHL goals in 106 games with the Buffalo Sabres, Chicago Blackhawks, and Pittsburgh Penguins before being traded to the Columbus Blue Jackets last February. He spent most of his career in the AHL and rarely got a scoring role during his brief NHL appearances.

Things changed for him in Columbus. Nylander averaged a career-high 16:45 of ice time over 23 games and netted 11 goals—just one less than Johnny Gaudreau managed over 81 games last season! He shot the puck almost every chance he got, testing goalies with 62 shots (nearly three per game) and had three multi-goal games including a hat trick against Vegas on March 4.

Fans might think he’s finally found his groove.

Sometimes these unexpected turns make sports exciting! Do you think Nylander can keep up this performance next season?