The Toronto Maple Leafs are currently in negotiations with winger William Nylander for a contract extension, aiming to make him one of the NHL’s highest-paid players. TSN Hockey Insider Pierre LeBrun reports that the potential deal could reach “north of” $11 million per season over a maximum eight-year term.
Despite tight-lipped discussions, both sides are actively working towards finalizing the extension, with LeBrun noting the uncertainty about how much above $11 million the final figure may be. Drawing parallels with David Pastrnak’s negotiations, it appears that Nylander is on the brink of securing a significant extension as a key player for the Leafs.
Nylander, a 27-year-old forward, has showcased impressive performance this season, boasting 19 goals and 51 points in 36 games. His remarkable 17-game point streak at the beginning of the season set a franchise record. Last season, he achieved a career-high 40 goals and 87 points in 82 games, adding four goals and 10 points in 11 playoff games.
Currently carrying a cap hit of $6.96 million in the last year of his six-year contract, Nylander initially signed the deal in 2018 with then-general manager Kyle Dubas. Despite a delayed start to the 2018-19 season due to contract negotiations, Nylander secured a $45 million deal, initially valued at $10.2 million and later narrowing to $6.9 million in subsequent years. The contract includes a 10-team no-trade list for the current season.
As negotiations unfold, Nylander’s potential extension places him among the elite group of players with a cap hit of $11 million or more for the upcoming season. The Maple Leafs already have stars like Auston Matthews and John Tavares in this category, solidifying their commitment to building a competitive roster.
Drafted by the Maple Leafs in 2014 with the eighth-overall pick, Nylander has accumulated an impressive record of 196 goals and 481 points in 557 regular-season games. The ongoing negotiations reflect the team’s recognition of his contributions and the desire to secure his presence as a cornerstone player in the organization.