Toronto Maple Leafs: Mike Babcock shoots down William Nylander rumour

 After a recent report suggested that William Nylander’s future with the Toronto Maple Leafs was in doubt, Mike Babcock spoke out over the latest development.

As the days tick away, there hasn’t been any development suggesting that the Toronto Maple Leafs and William Nylander are closing in on a deal. Head coach Mike Babcock wants to make it clear to not take recent rumours about the winger’s future too seriously.

The obvious news he’s referring too was Elliotte Friedman’s latest appearance on Tim and Sid where he was discussing the ongoing negotiations. As Mike Johnston of Sportsnet wrote, Friedman shared his opinion that the Leafs will be looking to move Nylander at some point as this will be his final season with the team.

"“The one thing I do believe, no matter what happens, is that this will be William Nylander’s final season as a Toronto Maple Leaf,” Friedman said. “Whether he signs or whether he doesn’t sign, this is going to be it. And even if he does sign, I think Toronto trades him by the draft at the latest."

Babcock made sure to clear the air on the situation when he was asked about the deadline approaching just before the Leafs take on the Minnesota Wild.

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People shouldn’t be surprised to see those comments from Babcock, he’s not going to support Friedman’s opinion and put gas on the fire. The person who has a better idea is Kyle Dubas but he’s not going to say anything at the moment even though Babcock says they talk every day.

You have to wonder how much these negotiations have set back the relationship between the Leafs and Nylander. While it’s a business dealing, you wonder if one side feels slighted throughout this process.

Obviously, the Leafs are a better team with Nylander in the lineup but have thrived despite his absence. Given the common desire for the team to upgrade their blueline, this is why Nylander’s name in a trade continues to be a popular thought.

Now it wouldn’t be ideal to have Nylander sit out the season and it probably impacts the Leafs ability to get proper trade value for him since he’s unsigned. Now that’s probably Friedman believes Nylander will be traded at the draft.

If the Leafs get Nylander at around the rumoured $6.9 millions, he should be able to fit in their desire to get everybody else signed. Or if the team does need to make a move in the offseason to get some help on the blueline, he’s the candidate everyone is going to point to because the Leafs are not trading Auston Matthews or Mitch Marner.

For now, Leafs Nation should just worry about the team getting Nylander signed and contributing to this team and it will be up to Dubas to deal with what happens after that.

What do you think about the recent Nylander rumours? Do you think he will stick around over the long-term or could he be moved down the road? Let us know in the comments below.