William Nylander Linked to Division Rivals

"If the Canadiens decided it was time to get active in free agency, I would imagine they would target a forward, and more specifically a winger to fill out their top six. They would have the cap space to make a serious run at William Nylander if he makes it to market, and it doesn't sound as though talks on an extension with the Toronto Maple Leafs have gone all that well thus far.

He will have just turned 28 two months before July 1, 2024, and has been a remarkably consistent scorer for the Maple Leafs, even in the playoffs — in his last three playoffs he has 12 goals and 25 points in 25 games, matching Auston Matthews' point total over that span.

Nylander will cost at least $10 million a year on a long-term deal, one that would take him into his mid-30s. There's definite risk there, but players like him rarely make it to market. I'm not willing to predict the Canadiens will sign him, but if I were running things, I would do everything I could to make it happen.»