from Nick Barden of The Hockey News,
It appears as though contract negotiations between William Nylander and the Maple Leafs aren't going as everyone would have hoped.
According to TSN hockey insider, Chris Johnston, on the Chris Johnston Show, the negotiations between both sides aren't "going well."
"There were a lot of discussions down at the draft in Nashville between the team (Toronto) and his agent," Johnston said. "And they just see the world differently at this point in time."
Johnston goes on to report that Nylander believes he's a $10 million dollar player, while the Maple Leafs are trying to get him at a lower number.
William Nylander 40G 47A (Playoffs 4G, 6A)
Mitch Marner 30G 69A (Playoffs 3G, 11A)
Auston Matthews 40G 45A (Playoffs 5G, 6A)
I'd say the comparables are on his same team. And while you can argue that he doesn't bring exactly what they bring. He deserves to be in the ballpark (esp after taking a team friendly deal last time). So if those guys make 10.903M and 11.640M then the 10M that Nylander is seeking isn't out of line.
But the Leafs can't have 4x 10M+ players and field a team when Marner and Matthews will both demand raises. Marner and Matthews now have full NMC's in their contracts.
They are going to have to trade Nylander (because he only has a limited NTC) or field a team with no depth (why they keep losing in the playoffs) and goaltending and defense are going to continue to be the issue.
Say he only gets 30 goals on a different team---that's scoring a lot of teams need. With the cap expected to rise in July of 2024, Nylander could be easily making 10M on a different team...I am sure NYI fans won't be shedding a tear if Toronto loses him for nothing.
Dubas built that.
It's time for Willie to get his $10M. The petulant little Marner held the team hostage for his $11, while Willie was taking 'the discount for the team'. Time for Willie to get paid for his numbers. Puts Treliving in a tough spot--but oh well. Would love to see those 40 goals go away from TO. Sign a few more Reaves while you're at it. Should do wonders for your team 'toughness', and wonders for your place in the standings.
Ha, yes! Pay the man his eight figures or move Marner.
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