Nylander contract discussion - New Poll

[hockeywiz542]

Nylander hopes to work out long-term contract, stay with Maple Leafs | NHL.com

'There's no other place I want to play,' says forward, unconcerned about looming free agency

www.nhl.com

August 25, 2023

STOCKHOLM -- William Nylander wants to remain with the Toronto Maple Leafs long term and the forward said he is unconcerned about heading into the final season of his current contract without signing a new deal.

"For me, the contract, obviously, I want it to work where I can stay there and be there," Nylander said at NHL European Player Media Tour on Wednesday. "There's no other place I want to play, but I still have one more year left. I don't understand why there's such a big rush to do something right now. I still have one more year left."

Nylander is heading into the final season of a six-year, $41.4 million contract (average annual value $6.9 million) he signed on Dec. 1, 2018, and will be eligible to become an unrestricted free agent when it expires.

But the 27-year-old said he has no interest in exploring the UFA market next summer.

"I want to be in Toronto as long as I can," he said. "That's just where my mind is at."

Nylander has been eligible to sign a new contract with the Maple Leafs since July 1 and said his agent Lewis Gross has had conversations with Toronto this offseason, but none, to his knowledge, "as of late."

"They had been talking, but I don't think there's been much going on about that," he said. "But I'm just focused on getting ready for the season and having my best season yet in order to help us take the next step, too."

That doesn't mean Nylander would mind getting his contract situation settled before the season.

"Yeah, it would be fun if it would be done, but it's not like that where my focus is at," he said. "I'm just ready to have the best season yet and that will take care of itself when it's ready to happen. So, I'm not worried about it."

...........

"We've got one done and we will continue to work at William's," Treliving said Friday. "William is a terrific player, he is a star and you want to keep your good players. We have time, William has a year left on his contract. We will continue to work away at it and when we have good news, we will be sure to share it."

Nylander said he didn't think the change in general managers impacted his contract situation.

"Not that I know of," he said. "I didn't have any conversations with Kyle about a new contract, so I don't know what difference (that made)."

 

[rumman]

Move him to Winnipeg for Hellebeck plus, or Calgary for Lindholmn, Zardorov…….

 

[ULF_55]

Move him to Winnipeg for Hellebeck plus, or Calgary for Lindholmn, Zardorov…….

Move him for JT Miller.

He's not as agreeable as Nylander so maybe that will make people happy.

A miserable blame everyone else type might fit like a glove.

 

[PROUD PAPA]

Nylander probably truly does like playing for the Leafs. He doesn’t seem to care about the media which I would assume is a genuine issue for some. Plus the Leafs are very generous on payday and he gets to play the game the way he likes to play.

 

[Dragao6]

Move him for JT Miller.

He's not as agreeable as Nylander so maybe that will make people happy.

A miserable blame everyone else type might fit like a glove.

U mean the nylander that sat out until he signed a deal?

What?

Nylander probably truly does like playing for the Leafs. He doesn’t seem to care about the media which I would assume is a genuine issue for some. Plus the Leafs are very generous on payday and he gets to play the game the way he likes to play.

I think he’s the type that enjoys the media

Loves the attention it seems

 

[ULF_55]

U mean the nylander that sat out until he signed a deal?

Both sides have to agree to a deal.

Nylander wasn't allowed to play until he was offered a deal he could sign.

 

[Squiffy]

Both sides have to agree to a deal.

Nylander wasn't allowed to play until he was offered a deal he could sign.

Doesn't feel as dramatic as the last go round somehow. No, I cannot quantify that statement. I think it'll get done right where everyone expects, mid 9's, longer term, sooner then later.

 

[TMLBlueandWhite]

I have a feeling Nylander is gonna end up in Pittsburgh with his brother and Dubas.

Nylander's the most dangerous player at both ends of the ice. There's a good chance a goal will be scored no matter where he's located. He's not someone I'd want on my team for the contract he's about to get.

It's not like I set out wanting to not like Nylander.

Lord knows I could never have expected to dislike a player more than I did Jason Blake. But Nylander's given me plenty of reasons to do so. If he started playing with some intensity I might be persuaded to change my mind.

I don't see that happening though.

At best Nylander's a support player. He doesn't have it in him to put the team on his back. He's NEVER gonna be "that guy" on a cup contending team.

Can they really afford to pay him so much to be the third or fourth best forward?

 

[notDatsyuk]

I have a feeling Nylander is gonna end up in Pittsburgh with his brother and Dubas.

Nylander's the most dangerous player at both ends of the ice. There's a good chance a goal will be scored no matter where he's located. He's not someone I'd want on my team for the contract he's about to get.

It's not like I set out wanting to not like Nylander.

Lord knows I could never have expected to dislike a player more than I did Jason Blake. But Nylander's given me plenty of reasons to do so. If he started playing with some intensity I might be persuaded to change my mind.

I don't see that happening though.

At best Nylander's a support player. He doesn't have it in him to put the team on his back. He's NEVER gonna be "that guy" on a cup contending team.

Can they really afford to pay him so much to be the third or fourth best forward?

As far as overall scoring goes, you're right - Nylander is third in goals for and goals against when on the ice. Just at even strenght, he's second in both for and against.

On the other hand, he's fourth in +/- (behind the top line) while only ZAR had a worse +/- than Tavares.

True, he'll likely never be 'that guy', but you can say the same about Marner, Tavares, and probably Matthews.

Not that it justifies paying their third best player $9-9.5M, but they have been paying their fourth best player $11M for years.

 

[Marshy]

Ok I've struggled with this but ok Willy..you win.

Even though Auston won personal hardware and you didn't ...I'm now ok with offering you the same raise as AM34.

13.9% raise over your previous deal (7.5M ...hell let's use the actual salary not the adjusted 6.96M AAV).

Congrats buddy...you are worth that new $8.55M AAV contract. Way to hold firm and get the raise Auston earned.

 

[notDatsyuk]

Ok I've struggled with this but ok Willy..you win.

Even though Auston won personal hardware and you didn't ...I'm now ok with offering you the same raise as AM34.

13.9% raise over your previous deal (7.5M ...hell let's use the actual salary not the adjusted 6.96M AAV).

Congrats buddy...you are worth that new $8.55M AAV contract. Way to hold firm and get the raise Auston earned.

Cute. Well done.

Unfortunately, it doesn't take into consideration that Willy and Mo are the only two of the top five who have actually outperformed their existing contracts.

 

[Dragao6]

Both sides have to agree to a deal.

Nylander wasn't allowed to play until he was offered a deal he could sign.

Rumour has it he came down allot to sign that deal!

 

[notdoneyet]

On any other team Willy would be getting 8-9 million on his next contract

Willy is terrible defensively. This playoffs he was on the ice for 6 5v5 points on offense but was on the ice for
10 5v5 goals against.

If you are signing Willy you are only getting offense

 

[LeafEgo]

On any other team Willy would be getting 8-9 million on his next contract

Willy is terrible defensively. This playoffs he was on the ice for 6 5v5 points on offense but was on the ice for
10 5v5 goals against.

If you are signing Willy you are only getting offense

He's pretty strong stick checking and intercepting passes. He's annoying to play against in most zones. You don't get much D zone coverage, but you typically don't from a speedy goal scoring winger. High 8's would be a steal for any team.

 

[notDatsyuk]

On any other team Willy would be getting 8-9 million on his next contract

Willy is terrible defensively. This playoffs he was on the ice for 6 5v5 points on offense but was on the ice for
10 5v5 goals against.

If you are signing Willy you are only getting offense

Three of those goals he was just coming off the bench and didn't have time to join the play. At least two more were Tavares' man who scored.

 

[ZEBROA]

Three of those goals he was just coming off the bench and didn't have time to join the play. At least two more were Tavares' man who scored.

If Nylander get a better (and way faster) defensive support then he will be the player that tip the scale and drive the play. Maby Domi and a defensive LW. Tavares on third so he can take adventage of the other teams third lines(usually a reason ive heard to move Nylander to third line). Nylander could be on a 2nd B line if Keefe let them play same minutes. But should not be wasted on a third line.

 

[Frostitute]

If Nylander get a better (and way faster) defensive support then he will be the player that tip the scale and drive the play. Maby Domi and a defensive LW. Tavares on third so he can take adventage of the other teams third lines(usually a reason ive heard to move Nylander to third line). Nylander could be on a 2nd B line if Keefe let them play same minutes. But should not be wasted on a third line.

That last sentence I could not agree with more. It seems since JT wears the C he will not be bumped to line 3. Whereas Willy Styles could have a bad shift and be banished for weeks to the bottom six. It's ridiculous. Is Keefe just playing to JTs ego/emotions? Put the damn player where they belong in the lineup and be done with it. He may not be happy but in reality shouldn't care so long as the team prospers. If it bothers JT he shouldnt wear the C.

 

[TMLBlueandWhite]

True, he'll likely never be 'that guy', but you can say the same about Marner, Tavares, and probably Matthews.

Not that it justifies paying their third best player $9-9.5M, but they have been paying their fourth best player $11M for years.

I wish someone would mention this to the players.

They've been using the Tavares deal for years to justify their own bloated salaries. Not realizing two wrongs don't make a right. Even worse is that I think you're correct: none of them are ever gonna be "that guy".

They just want to get paid it is all.

 

[ZEBROA]

That last sentence I could not agree with more. It seems since JT wears the C he will not be bumped to line 3. Whereas Willy Styles could have a bad shift and be banished for weeks to the bottom six. It's ridiculous. Is Keefe just playing to JTs ego/emotions? Put the damn player where they belong in the lineup and be done with it. He may not be happy but in reality shouldn't care so long as the team prospers. If it bothers JT he shouldnt wear the C.

One more thing that i realy disslike is the notion that Nylander i playing better when playing for Sweden. Thats insane.
He just get to play with players better suited for his way of playing. Playing in a way more free role. And is one of the go to guys and given all tools possible to succede.
Its time to put the team needs over Tavares needs. As his needs are usually bottom six grinders.

 

[Nineteen67]

I have a feeling Nylander is gonna end up in Pittsburgh with his brother and Dubas.

Nylander's the most dangerous player at both ends of the ice. There's a good chance a goal will be scored no matter where he's located. He's not someone I'd want on my team for the contract he's about to get.

It's not like I set out wanting to not like Nylander.

Lord knows I could never have expected to dislike a player more than I did Jason Blake. But Nylander's given me plenty of reasons to do so. If he started playing with some intensity I might be persuaded to change my mind.

I don't see that happening though.

At best Nylander's a support player. He doesn't have it in him to put the team on his back. He's NEVER gonna be "that guy" on a cup contending team.

Can they really afford to pay him so much to be the third or fourth best forward?

I love watching Willy play but he’s frustrating. Defence is nothing but effort and when you have Willy’s size and skill it makes no sense that he’s not a force at both ends.

One more thing that i realy disslike is the notion that Nylander i playing better when playing for Sweden. Thats insane.
He just get to play with players better suited for his way of playing. Playing in a way more free role. And is one of the go to guys and given all tools possible to succede.
Its time to put the team needs over Tavares needs. As his needs are usually bottom six grinders.

He plays better? In the prelims, maybe. Last time he played it was his soft defensive gaff that eliminated them.

 

[TMLBlueandWhite]

I love watching Willy play but he’s frustrating. Defence is nothing but effort and when you have Willy’s size and skill it makes no sense that he’s not a force at both ends.


He plays better? In the prelims, maybe. Last time he played it was his soft defensive gaff that eliminated them.

Nylander's huge.

We've all seen his social media pictures. His height and weight are public knowledge. He's the size of an amateur bodybuilder.

But plays the size of a mouse.

The only reason he appears to play hard in the WC is because there's no fighting allowed. He's also playing against lesser competition. Wee Willie doesn't mind throwing his weight around when it's amateur hour.

It's easy to be a bully when there isn't a punch in the face waiting after.

 

[Ianturnedbull]

Nylander Contact Concussion

My dyslexia is playing tricks on me today.

 

[Gary Nylund]

He's pretty strong stick checking and intercepting passes. He's annoying to play against in most zones. You don't get much D zone coverage, but you typically don't from a speedy goal scoring winger. High 8's would be a steal for any team.

He was also 11th overall in takeaways last year, that's a fair bit of defensive value right there.

Nylander's huge.

We've all seen his social media pictures. His height and weight are public knowledge. He's the size of an amateur bodybuilder.

But plays the size of a mouse.

The only reason he appears to play hard in the WC is because there's no fighting allowed. He's also playing against lesser competition. Wee Willie doesn't mind throwing his weight around when it's amateur hour.

It's easy to be a bully when there isn't a punch in the face waiting after.

Matthews is the guy that really annoys me in that sense. He's so bit and strong, would be nice if he'd just throw his weight around every now and then. It's easier to let Nylander off the hook in that sense because for one, he's a winger not a centre and he also has a much smaller cap hit.

 

[TMLBlueandWhite]

He was also 11th overall in takeaways last year, that's a fair bit of defensive value right there.


Matthews is the guy that really annoys me in that sense. He's so bit and strong, would be nice if he'd just throw his weight around every now and then. It's easier to let Nylander off the hook in that sense because for one, he's a winger not a centre and he also has a much smaller cap hit.

It would be easy to turn a blind eye to Nylander's shortcomings if he were the only one on the team with those issues.

The entire core is the exact same. Matthews and Tavares set the standard. Leading by example.

Stamkos punches them in the face and the response is the back of five Leafs jersey's as they all head back to the bench where they can laugh it off.

 

[PromisedLand]

Given one cannot honestly justify Matthews' new deal; NO YOU CANNOT!!!
Matthews' contract is unique (or disgusting and hurtful to the team) compared to prior 2nd contracts (or buying of UFA years if players were bridged) for franchise/core players, in general.

I see following situations playing out for Willy

1) Willy walks as UFA to get as big a package as possible, with Leafs trying the "self-rental" crap
2) Willy gets traded for sub-optimal result unless it is a sign and trade
3) (most unlikely); Willy becomes the only core player to truly give a discount and sign long term for 8 years


P.S. I don't even wanna think about what Marner is going to ask as a pending UFA