Maple Leafs and Nylander going down to the final hour
@Prospects_Watch: Bob McKenzie said yesterday that he believes the Maple Leafs and Nylander will come down to the final hour.
@Prospects_Watch: McKenzie: “I don’t think there’s a very good chance of William Nylander being traded at the deadline at all.”
Kevin McGran of the Toronto Star: (mailbag) Insiders believe that Nylander’s days in a Maple Leafs jersey are numbered even if he signs with the Maple Leafs.
McGran thinks that the Maple Leafs change in their front office may be one of the reasons a Nylander deal isn’t done yet. “No proof. Just instinct.” If Lou Lamoriello was in charge still, Nylander may not have missed any time.
The Anaheim Ducks wouldn’t trade Josh Manson and Nick Ritchie for Nylander.
James Mirtle of The Athletic: Chris Johnston believes the number for William Nylander is around $6.9 million on a six-year deal.
Mirtle looks at some comparables and their numbers and puts a long-term in the $6.7 to $7.3 million per season range.
The Maple Leafs are doing their best to keep Nylander’s number as low as possible and it’s not really fair to vilify Nylander for asking what he’s asking.
TSN: The deadline for William Nylander to sign a deal and eligible to play this season is 5:00 PM ET.
Toronto Maple Leafs coach Mike Babcock when asked if he’s looking forward to having the situation resolved one way or another.
“No,” he said flatly. “I’m looking forward to Willie being on the team. In my heart and in my mind I know he’s going to be on the team. That’s how I have to think.”
Babcock has been confident that the Leafs will eventually be back in the Leafs uniform this season.