Insider drops a bombshell on the talks between the Leafs and William Nylander
The first night of the draft has come and gone, with the Leafs selecting 18-year-old Easton Cowan with their 28th overall pick, but for the first time since 2007, there were absolutely no trades at the draft - picks or players.
One player whom everyone has been curious about in Toronto is William Nylander. There was some speculation that if the Leafs had any indication that Nylander may not extend with the Leafs and drag out negotiations again this summer, that he could be dealt at the draft. While he wasn't traded at the draft, that doesn't mean he's in the clear.
Per TSN's Pierre LeBrun, Nylander's agent, Lewis Gross, met with Leafs GM Brad Treliving in Nashville this week, with nothing really coming from those talks. LeBrun called talks "status quo", after attempting to get an update following last night's draft. He also dropped a potential bombshell about the Leafs and Nylander.
"That's the wild card one. Everyone keeps insisting that the Core 4 will be back, but I'll tell you now - William Nylander will not be back if this contract negotiation doesn't go smoothly. That's just the reality of it. That's the player that could move if there isn't an extension that makes sense for both sides." - LeBrun on the potential stalemate between the Leafs and William Nylander's agent, Lewis Gross
Of course, Nylander isn't eligible to sign an extension until 12:00pm ET on Saturday, so we probably shouldn't push the panic button just yet, but with the reputation that Lewis Gross has built for himself during the Nylander, Sandin and Gaudreau negotiations, it wouldn't shock me to see Nylander moved not long after July 1st if Treliving has any indication that Gross intends to draw this out and make it more difficult than is necessary.
POLL |
JUIN 29 | 598 ANSWERS Insider drops a bombshell on the talks between the Leafs and William Nylander Who will you hold responsible if the Leafs are forced to trade William Nylander? |
His agent, Lewis Gross | 243 | 40.6 % |
Brad Treliving | 29 | 4.8 % |
Kyle Dubas | 58 | 9.7 % |
Nylander himself | 268 | 44.8 % |
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