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Toronto Maple Leafs: What could William Nylander’s next contract look like?

By David Morassutti

TORONTO, ON - MARCH 31: William Nylander #29 of the Toronto Maple Leafs skates against the Winnipeg Jets during an NHL game at the Air Canada Centre on March 31, 2018 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The Jets defeated the Maple Leafs 3-1. (Photo by Claus Andersen/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** William Nylander
TORONTO, ON - MARCH 31: William Nylander #29 of the Toronto Maple Leafs skates against the Winnipeg Jets during an NHL game at the Air Canada Centre on March 31, 2018 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The Jets defeated the Maple Leafs 3-1. (Photo by Claus Andersen/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** William Nylander /
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The Toronto Maple Leafs know that William Nylander will want a long-term extension this summer but what exactly could he be looking for?

Now that NHL teams know that the salary cap will be $79.5 million next season, it gives them a clear idea of what they accomplish in the offseason. For the Toronto Maple Leafs, one of those things is trying to sign John Tavares, the other is getting an extension done with William Nylander.

Obviously, Toronto has the opportunity to get a head start on contracts for Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner but those are not on the top of the priority list since they still have another year left on the entry-level deals.

This is why sorting out Nylander’s extension and finding out whether Tavares will be signing are at the top of the list.

Tavares is going to command a hefty salary if he signs but the real question is what be the number that Nylander gets?

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It has been reported by Dave McCarthy of Sporting News that the 22-year-old can get anywhere from $6-6.6 million a season in his new deal. Where people have made the comparisons is with David Pastrnak and Nikolaj Ehlers and rightfully so.

When Pastrnak signed his six-year $40 million ($6.67 annual cap hit) extension with the Boston Bruins he was coming off a career year putting up 70 points (34 goals, 36 assists) in 75 games. The following season he went on to score 80 points (34 goals, 45 assists) in 82 games.

It didn’t come without issues as Pastrnak didn’t agree to a deal until mid-September as the Bruins were trying to get him signed at $6 million a season.  

Ehlers got an extra year on his contract (which starts this upcoming season) allowing the Winnipeg Jets to get him at $6 million a season. He has been a consistent 60+ point producer in each of his first two seasons with the Winnipeg Jets.

Bob McKenzie of TSN brought up the idea on Leafs Lunch of giving Nylander a bridge deal which would be a risky move because it could cost the Leafs more down the line.  He also suggests that the Ehlers contract would be the best comparable for Nylander and it’s hard to dispute that.

Nylander has scored 61 points in each of the past two seasons with the Leafs which is exactly why it’s tough to see him get what Pastrnak got as he’s the go-to winger in Boston.

If the Leafs can get Nylander to take a six-year deal at $6 million that would make the most sense going forward and leaving the Leafs just over $18 million to sign their remaining RFAs and Tavares (if he decides to come to Toronto). The team could also try to get some cap space by waiving Matt Martin or try to find a trade partner for him which give the team some flexibility on top of that.

Now many might wonder if there’s a chance for the Leafs to get Nylander to sign for less than $6 million? It would be tough to expect him to take less given and would rather take the chance to get the guaranteed deal now.

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What do you think about the Nylander’s contract situation? What would try to sign him for? Let us know in the comments below. 

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