Toronto Maple Leafs: Matthews injury could impact Nylander negotiations

Auston Matthews was forced out of the Toronto Maple Leafs’ 3-2 victory over the Winnipeg Jets and his injury could have an impact on negotiations with William Nylander.

With the Toronto Maple Leafs down 1-0 early into the second period, Jets defenceman Jacob Trouba landed a strong hit on Auston Matthews, injuring his shoulder and forcing him out of the game.

Even without their star player, the Leafs fought back and secured their eighth win of the season – their second over the Jets this week.

It has been confirmed that Matthews’ injury will keep him out of the Leafs’ upcoming game against the Calgary Flames, but it is not known how much longer he will be out for.

Matthews has suffered from shoulder injuries before and missed 20 games last season as a result.

The Leafs were still able to go on to have a record-breaking year, but they did so with the likes of Nylander in their line-up.

Nylander and the Leafs are still deadlocked in contract discussions and there hasn’t appeared to be too much movement on that in recent weeks.

The status of Matthews moving forward, however, could see things progress far quicker and potentially see Nylander locked into a contract sooner than what might have been expected.

The 22-year-old Swede is capable of playing as a centre and would give the Leafs someone who can fill the gap left by Matthews, should he be sidelined longer than hoped.

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John Tavares, Nazem Kadri and Frederik Gauthier appear to be the favoured three centres behind Matthews currently, but there is now a gap which needs to be filled, one that Par Lindholm, the team’s other recognised centre, is unlikely to do.

Nylander could slot into Matthews’ spot, between Patrick Marleau and Kasperi Kapanen, and fill the void left by the American until he can return to the ice.

But in order for this to happen, general manager Kyle Dubas needs to get Nylander signed and back with the team as soon as possible.

This could force Dubas into accepting a bridge deal with Nylander, something that neither party originally wanted at the start of negotiations.

Ensuring that Nylander is with the team at least for the next four years would give Dubas and the organisation time to figure out the rest of the team and look at how they will fit all of their top young stars after this season.

If Matthews only misses one game, then things will likely remain the status quo, and Nylander and the Leafs will see the Dec. 1 deadline move closer and closer.

The Toronto Maple Leafs need Nylander back on the team, especially if Matthews misses any length of time beyond this Monday’s game with Calgary.

What do you think Leafs Nation? Will negotiations with Nylander move quicker if Matthews is sidelined beyond Monday? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.