RFA William Nylander could miss the start of training camp
Kevin McGran of the Toronto Star: Contract talks between the Toronto Maple Leafs and William Nylander have been kept quiet.
It is believed that Nylander could get an extension close to David Pastrnak’s $6.66 million per season.
Kevin McGran of the Toronto Star: If Nylander misses any time at training camp, it allows a young player to possibly move up the depth chart – Kasperi Kapanen wouldn’t mind a shot on the first line.
Comparables for Nylander have him making over $6 million, but the bigger question may be if it’s short- or long-term.
McGran would look at maybe a three-year deal and then look to cash in a bigger, long-term deal.
Chris Nichols of Nichol’s on Hockey: Darren Dreger was on TSN 1050 yesterday talking about restricted free agent William Nylander, and how it would be a surprise if he took part in training camp without a contract in place.
“I sensed that going into this past weekend there was some frustration – but I wouldn’t say animosity – between either side. They’re both committed to getting something done. Just a frustration that it isn’t moving along as maybe the player would have hoped.”
Dreger adds that it wouldn’t be a surprise if he misses part of training camp and he believes the side have been looking mostly at a long-term deal, but you can’t rule out a bridge deal.
“But I’m sure that Nylander is looking at all options, right. I’m sure they are. The long mega-deal might be Option 1 because of the financial security of all of it, but if you don’t get that six, seven, eight-year deal, aren’t you smarter then to look at the shorter term? And shorter term can be a variety of things, can’t it. Of course it’s the bridge of two or three years. But maybe a four, five-year deal makes more sense than a six, seven, eight-year deal.”