William Nylander has cemented himself as a star player in the NHL, and one of the Core 4 of the Toronto Maple Leafs. However, his RFA status has lingered long into this offseason, and with an unsigned Auston Matthews, some are questioning how the Leafs will make it work with Nylander.
Nylander Trade Talks
Nylander has been a consistent performer during his tenure as a Leaf, scoring over 80 points over the last 2 seasons. What's more impressive, though, is his continued performance into the postseason, something Leaf stars have struggled with. Nylander boasts 40 points in 50 career playoff games.
However, this hasn't kept him safe from trade rumours. A new report suggests that Nylander is likely to be moved given the Leafs' current cap situation, coupled with the fact that he remains unsigned.
"The lack of progress in contract extension talks between the Toronto Maple Leafs and William Nylander prompted some observers to suggest the 27-year-old winger could be traded before the start of this season.
It's believed Nylander seeks a long-term contract worth an average annual value of $10 million. With Auston Matthews expected to sign a lucrative extension and Mitch Marner in line for an expensive new contract in 2025, retaining all three could take up a considerable chunk of the Leafs' cap space.'
It's believed Nylander seeks a long-term contract worth an average annual value of $10 million. With Auston Matthews expected to sign a lucrative extension and Mitch Marner in line for an expensive new contract in 2025, retaining all three could take up a considerable chunk of the Leafs' cap space.'
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Cap Troubles Make a Move Inevitable
The Leafs' cap struggles have been well-documented this offseason. Already being over the cap, Nylander asking for over $10 million AAV makes the situation even more difficult. Especially considering Auston Matthews will swallow even more of that cap up if he re-signs.
Looking further down the line, Marner is likely to require a bump in his already large salary once it expires. Ultimately, the Leafs face a choice between moving Nylander or Marner or watching them walk for free in Free Agency.
As read on Hockey Patrol - "Nylander Trade Rumors Heating Up As Season Approaches"
| POLL | ||
3 AOUT | 109 ANSWERS Nylander's Departure Heating Up as Regular Season is Approaching Who should the Leafs re-sign? | ||
| Nylander | 13 | 11.9 % |
| Marner | 56 | 51.4 % |
| Both | 40 | 36.7 % |
| LIST OF POLLS | ||
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