Insider makes major prediction on how William Nylander's contract saga will come to an end
After months of tension, speculation and rumours, it appears the Maple Leafs still aren't closing in on an extension for William Nylander, but one insider reveals when it may go down.
Extension soon
According to Pierre LeBrun in a recent interview, it makes no sense for the Leafs to move Nylander, as getting a first-round pick and a talented young player just doesn't fit with their goals as a franchise.
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I think he's comfortable with the core four forwards and aims to retain them. It's rare for star players to get traded, like Timo Meier's trade last summer. The return for San Jose wasn't exceptional. It's challenging to trade top-tier players and get equal value. The Maple Leafs, aiming to win now, can't trade William Nylander just for a first-rounder and a young pro.
Unsurprisingly, LeBrun also believes a deal between Nylander and the Maple Leafs is coming soon, as he has predicted November, one month into the season as a reasonable timeline for the two sides to lock down a deal.
I think he'll sign an extension in November, likely for eight years around the nine million mark. It's a reasonable figure considering his contribution and the team's salary structure. If he pushes for more, they might land around 9.5 million over eight years.
Core four to a Cup?
If the team can lock him down, they'll be out of excuses, with it officially becoming Stanley Cup or bust each and every year for this loaded team, but what about the other members of the Leafs famed core four?
The lid has been lifted on the future of Mitch Marner as well, as it appears he will be back when his contract is up, and with John Tavares likely departing around the same time, this will open up the bank for the Leafs to accommodate their star winger as well.
I believe Marner will. He's an integral part of the team and, in my opinion, he's among the top right-wingers in hockey. With Tavares' contract eventually ending and the salary cap rising, they can accommodate Marner's expected pay rise. He's performed at an elite level, earning his current salary, and I see the Leafs' core three staying intact.
Ultimately, times are good right now in Toronto, but every year they don't win a Cup, the pressure builds, so keep a close eye on this team over the next few seasons.
As Read on Hockey Patrol - Insider Predicts How The William Nylander Saga Will Shape Out
| POLL | ||
12 SEPTEMBRE | 79 ANSWERS Insider makes major prediction on how William Nylander's contract saga will come to an end Can the Leafs win a Cup with the core four? | ||
| Yes | 42 | 53.2 % |
| No | 37 | 46.8 % |
| LIST OF POLLS | ||
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