Amidst the summer shuffle, the Toronto Maple Leafs find themselves at a contract crossroads with two of their standout players: Auston Matthews and William Nylander. As of Canada Day, extension talks are in motion, but only one player has put pen to paper.
In contrast, William Nylander's situation has taken a different turn. Rumors abound that the Leafs explored trading him during the offseason. Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman reveals, "I think the Maple Leafs just decided [to keep him for this year] I think they looked at trading him. I don't think they liked what was out there." Despite this, Nylander's value is evident—scoring 40 goals last season and contributing to key moments in playoff battles against Tampa Bay.
Nylander, aged 27, just concluded the most impressive NHL season of his career, amassing 87 points (40 goals, 47 assists), with 28 penalty minutes and a plus-ten rating over 82 games. His prowess continued into the Stanley Cup Playoffs, notching ten points in 11 games.
As the salary cap rises, potentially soaring by up to $3 million next summer, the Maple Leafs have the financial flexibility to extend Nylander. The real challenge lies in sculpting the contract's terms and aligning Nylander's long-term aspirations with Toronto. In the coming months, the hockey world will watch with bated breath to see if a deal can be reached.
