NHL Rumors: Toronto Maple Leafs – Nylander and Matthews
Jack Eichel, Linus Ullmark not practicing. Vladimir Tarasenko getting close. Auston Matthews not ruled out today. Alex Ovechkin a game-time decision.
Another Nylander update

Mike Johnston of Sportsnet: Nick Kypreos said on Sportsnet’s Headlines that contract talks between the Toronto Maple Leafs and William Nylander‘s reps continue but they are not close.

Kypreos added that Nylanders “has not requested a trade as of yet.”

Kypreos has been told that there is a four-year offer but it’s “well under $20 million” with the cap hit closer to $4 million and over $5 million per year.

Elliotte Friedman references recent bridge deals of Nikita Kucherov ($4.76 million per for three years) and Artemi Panarin ($6 million per for two years).

Chris Johnston said that there are teams that have explored the idea of an offer sheet but for what the cost would be, it’s likely too complicated or extensive.

Chris Johnston of Sportsnet: If someone were to offer sheet at an $8.5 million cap hit over eight years, that would carry an $11.9 million offer since you use the average over five years and not eight.

That type of offer would cost the four first-round picks.

OFFER COMPENSATION
$1,339,575 or below None
Over $1,339,575 to $2,029,659 Third-round choice
Over $2,029,659 to $4,059,322 Second-round choice
Over $4,059,322 to $6,088,980 First-round and third-round choice
Over $6,088,980 to $8,118,641 First-round, second-round and third-round choice
Over $8,118,641 to $10,148,302 Two first-round choices, one second- and one third-round choice
Over $10,148,302 Four first-round choices

There are teams waiting to see if Maple Leafs GM Kyle Dubas changes his mind about not trading Nylander

There have been rumblings in the past hours about Salavat Yulaev of the KHL. They have a strong interest in him.

On Matthews next deal

Chris Johnston of Sportsnet: Elliotte Friedman said on Headlines that the Maple Leafs could be looking to sign Auton Matthews to a five-year deal instead of eight years.

Johnston notes “The debate about whether a star player would be better off insisting on a shorter term for his second contract has been quietly waged among agents, NHL executives and media types in barroom’s around the continent. It hinges on the idea that he would set himself up for an even greater payday on Deal 3 while still in possession of elite production and mega leverage in a league skewing ever younger.”