Toronto Maple Leafs: Bridge deal reportedly the way forward with Nylander

According to Sportsnet’s Chris Johnston, a long-term deal with William Nylander is no longer an option for the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Another day and yet more speculation regarding the ongoing standoff between the Toronto Maple Leafs and William Nylander. The latest update comes courtesy of Sportsnet’s Chris Johnston.

Johnston reports that a long-term agreement no longer appears to be an option, despite this being the preference for both sides. Instead, a bridge deal now seems to be the most likely direction.

In theory, the Leafs could also trade Nylander. However, this is not something either side wants — at least not at this stage.

The main reason a long-term deal no longer seems to be feasible, is because the Leafs and their young winger cannot agree on the yearly value. As has been suggested on a number of occasions recently, Nylander wants north of $8 million per season, while the team is closer to $6 million.

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It’s an interesting conundrum; while most people would agree the 22-year-old is asking for too much, you can also argue the Leafs counter-offer is on the low side. One of the major issues is that the team is compromised by the salary cap implications, with a number of prominent players up for extensions come the end of this season.

The problem with all of this is, even if a bridge deal is now the best option, how is this going to be any more straightforward? Let’s go with the assumption that the Leafs attempt to negotiate a two-year bridge deal, which is often the standard.

This still doesn’t completely resolve the crux of the issue between both sides, i.e. the annual value. In addition, Pro Hockey Rumors suggests the Leafs may break the norm and go for a three-year bridge deal, meaning an extra season to contend with in any such contract.

While the Leafs could conceivably get closer to Nylander’s annual preference for this season, what about the remaining one or two years? The team will still have to negotiate extensions for the likes of Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner following the 2018-19 campaign.

Essentially, the salary cap is still a significant issue in respect of what the Buds can offer Nylander. Johnston has indicated the team could pay him a hefty signing bonus, but is this enough to resolve the outstanding standoff?

We previously discussed how the Swedish international is in a no-win situation. His position is not helped, by being five years away from becoming an unrestricted free agent.

If Nylander takes the route of — however unlikely — sitting out this campaign, he will still be five years away from becoming a RFA when next season begins. The cutoff point for him is Dec. 1; after this date, he will be ineligible to play this season.

As a final point, Johnston suggests that if Nylander can’t agree a short-term deal, the Leafs will trade him. He says he wants to remain in Toronto long-term, but if this matter isn’t resolved soon, that future could well be no longer possible.

Yes, we’ve already asked this, but we’ll ask again regardless. How do you see the situation playing out between the Toronto Maple Leafs and Nylander? Will he sign a long-term deal, a bridge contract or eventually be traded? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.