Toronto Maple Leafs: One way or another, William Nylander situation needs to wrap up

For months, Toronto Maple Leaf fans have been held hostage by rumour, intrigue and circumspect of all things William Nylander. Soon, hopefully, it comes to an end. At which point, can we just enjoy what is happening!

This article is not being written to slam William Nylander or to slam the Toronto Maple Leafs front office, either.

It is being written for the fans that won’t get past speculation and, what borders on, anger or frustration at the length with which this contract talk has gone on. Hey guys….knock it off!

Now listen, I too have gone through the stages of “What is happening?!” and “Kyle Dubas gave me his word!” But I got over it. Why? We’ll get to that.

The Nylander situation has grown to an immense level, with social media blowing up every time someone like Elliotte Friedman or Bob McKenzie even mentions the name. Leaf fans gobbling down every word like some Bratwurst eating contest.

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Yet there is this under current of “being done wrong by” that is starting to not make sense.

I don’t have to point out the Leafs state of being since the last time they were competitive. The fan base have clamoured over every perceived positive “morsel” that we have been fed. Every July 1st became “sign (insert overpriced name here) please!! He is our saviour!”

How did David Clarkson work out? One example. (Sorry David.)

This organization has gotten past the point of signing from desperation and gone to one of desire and power position. The “You want to sign here if you want to win.”

I think this is what angers most Leaf fans and sets up the knee jerk reactions to all things Nylander. Is it fair? Maybe.

If you have players such as John Tavares coming here (although a hearty 11 million a year for seven helps) because they see the value this team has and how close they are to winning. So what is taking Nylander so long?

His dad is taking a pounding for interference and maybe justifiably so, but wouldn’t you want what is best for your kid and have him maximize his profit?

Of course you would. Michael Nylander hasn’t quite entered LaVar Ball territory just yet.

Media scrutiny is at an all time high and trying to put their spin on it, regardless of the fact that it is all starting to sound like the reverberance of an echo. Saying the same thing over and over again.

My concern is how the Leaf faithful will respond if he does end up signing. What then? Welcoming him back with open arms? I certainly hope so! Because he is a kid. Lets not forget that.

But this is a business and he has every right, under the current CBA to use this system to maximize his earnings. Is he over shooting his value. In my opinion, he as I had mentioned in an article before, grab the bridge and make them pay the next time ’round.

But as fans, we need to turn our focus to what is happening on the ice. This is where I come in with the “why?” answer from a few lines up. This team is finally an absolute blast to watch.

That passing play…on the powerplay…in Los Angeles and between Mordan Reilly (Norris if you spell it the way I do) to Tavares to Mitch Marner to Nazem Kadri. Sick! The fun part is knowing it is not a one off. Knowing that every time they are on the ice that can happen.

Side note on this, have you ever seen such despair on opposing player when they take a penalty. If they ever need a picture of “Oh No!” in the dictionary….that’d be it.

I hear constant talk, and I was one of them early on, of “If they are going to trade him, they had better get a great D man coming back or what’s the point.” I see the merit in this thought. However, the team is first in the league standings (as of Nov. 17) with the blueline they have. I know they need something more solid for the playoffs….but that can be dealt with.

There is also the talk that Dubas needs to stand his ground and win this situation. I also believe this is true. However, Leaf fans are going to roast him either way it goes. If Dubas trades Nylander, he gets it from the “That wasn’t part of the plan” group.

If he signs him to a bridge, he gets it from the “Why couldn’t you sign him long term?” group.

Then if he signs him long term, he gets it from the “Where is the money going to be coming from for Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner?”

He is in a “damned if you do, damned if you don’t” situation but let me let you in on a little secret Leaf fans.

He is smarter than us. That’s why he sits in the big chair. Looking at this team now, Nylander would be a great add, but he doesn’t seem to be necessary.

If it doesn’t work to Dubas’ numbers, he will make the move to make it better for the team. He has done a good job so far, in my opinion. So Leaf fans, I would never ask for you to switch your thought process due to my opinions, but I do ask to take it to heart.

It has been a long time since excitement has been this high game in and game out, lets just enjoy it. And let the business take care of itself.