Toronto Maple Leafs: Marc Savard comments on Nylander situation

The Toronto Maple Leafs and William Nylander are locked in heated contract negotiations, but one former NHLer made comments suggesting what it could take to get him signed.

A fourth round pick in 1995 (91st overall) by the New York Rangers, Marc Savard weighed in on the contract negotiation that has plagued Toronto Maple Leafs general manager Kyle Dubas all summer.

In a tweet on his official Twitter account, Savard commented that he was hearing $6.9 million a year would be enough to lock-up Nylander before the RFA deadline.

The long-time NHL player decided to keep his source/insider anonymous, but this kind of comment might be worth taking seriously – given Savard’s contact list he has accrued across 13 years in the NHL.

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The figure of $6.9 million is also significantly lower than the $8 million demands that had often cropped up in the mainstream media, sitting far closer to the Toronto Maple Leafs’ desired $6.5 million.

This value would certainly be palatable for the organisation, who still have Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner‘s contracts to deal with next summer.

The one caveat, however, appears to be that there is still a question mark over the term both parties are negotiating on.

Dubas had said earlier in the year that a long-term deal (between six to eight years potentially) was the desired goal, with Nylander equally appearing to want term in that sort of range.

However, if Nylander has hopes of securing an even bigger pay-day down the road, a longer term could influence how long he could expect to have that pay-day for.

With recent talk in the media turning to a possible trade, this small social media comment could have some underlying positives for Leafs fans that are hoping to see the Swede return to the line-up this season.

Mike Babcock recently, and very subtly, commented on the absence of both Nylander and Matthews, saying the two would be back – a further indication that things could be far closer than it seems with regards to a new deal.

Having Nylander return to a team that has been in flying form to start the season will be nothing but positive, with Matthews edging closer to a return from his shoulder injury.

Having these two dynamic weapons will be a pleasant sight for coaches, players and fans alike and if Savard’s source is reliable, it could be the first indication that this saga is finally coming to a close.

What do you think Leafs Nation? Would you be happy to see Nylander signed for this price? Is Savard’s tweet something to take with a pinch of salt or could it have genuine weight behind it? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!