During the latest TSN Insider Trading episode , the panel talked about the latest status of William Nylander and his negotiations with the Toronto Maple Leafs. Not yet worried about the lack of a deal, the two sides continue to talk. Furthermore, there are positive signs that an extension is possible. This despite the fact Nylander is playing his way into an incredibly lucrative contract.
Before turning it over to Chris Johnston for more details, Gino Reda said that Brendan Shanahan laughed when we asked if he was worried about how much he’s going to have to pay Willie [Nylander] based on the year he’s having. Johnston noted that there is still nothing official. So too, it’s not clear if the two sides are any closer, but they’re certainly working away at it. It doesn’t mean a deal is close. But, the two sides haven’t walked away from the table.
Toronto needs to work this out with Nylander, or they need to explore the option of a trade. While it would be extremely troubling to lose Nylander prior to a playoff push, losing him for nothing in the summer is a worst-case scenario outcome. He could cost the Leafs in excess of $10 million per season. That makes things tight. At the same time, Nylander is proving himself worth it. He has 41 points in 29 games this season. That puts him on pace for 115 points. Players like that get paid.
The longer this draws out, the more expensive Nylander becomes. That could mean more teams wanting to talk with the pending UFA.
