Brooks Laich will be forever linked to the Nylanders
Brooks Laich's time in Toronto won't be in vain.
The former much-loved Washington Capitals forward was traded to the Maple Leafs last week, and it was difficult for him to accept, as the first-place Caps are Stanley Cup favorites. But after Saturday, Laich's got a story to tell.
Laich assisted on the first NHL goal of William Nylander's career Saturday night, and the 32-year-old has a history with William's father, Michael Nylander, as the two played together for the Capitals.
Related: VIDEO - Nylander snipes for 1st NHL goal
In fact, Laich assisted on the final goal of Michael's career, on April 5, 2009, against the Atlanta Thrashers (may they rest in peace).
"(Michael) was a special player, too," Laich said after Saturday's game, a 3-2 Maple Leafs loss, according to TSN's Mark Masters. "You see a lot of similarities, the puck possession, the cerebral game.
"He's going to be a great player in this league and (I'm) really, really excited for him to get his first goal."
Assisting on Michael & William Nylander goals speak to Laich's longevity? Smiling Brooks: "That, or maybe his dad had a kid real early?"
— Mark Masters (@markhmasters) March 6, 2016
"Uncle Brooks" will be telling this one for a while.