Buffalo Sabres fans will have yet another reason to cheer when the world juniors begin next week. On Wednesday the Sabres announced that the team has assigned 2016 first-round pick Alex Nylander to Team Sweden.
Alex Nylander has been loaned to Team Sweden for the upcoming world juniors #Sabres @WKBW
— Matthew Bové (@Matt_Bove) December 21, 2017
“This is a tremendous chance for Alex to play for his country at the upcoming tournament,” said Sabres General Manager Jason Botterill. “The World Junior Championship is a prestigious and challenging tournament that we are so excited to be hosting here in Buffalo. This opportunity will provide another important step in Alex’s development.”
In last years world juniors tournament, Nylander scored five goals and added seven assists in seven games. This year with the Rochester Americans, Nylander has two goals and four assists in 14 games.
Sweden will play its first game on December 26th against Belarus at 2:00 p.m.
Bove's take:
From a development standpoint this was the right decision and could give Nylander some confidence moving forward. On the national stage, Nylander has been a dominant player and immediately becomes one of the feature players on a team many believe can win the tournament.
As for fans, this couldn't have worked out any better. The Sabres will now have their previous two-first round picks showcased right here in Western New York. Seriously, how awesome would a Mittelstadt vs. Nylander matchup be?
It's pretty awesome that fans will get a chance to see the #Sabres 2016 & 2017 first-round picks playing in the upcoming world juniors. Great exposure for two players that fans are excited about.
— Matthew Bové (@Matt_Bove) December 21, 2017
