Reporter suggests that there's a possibility that William Nylander could end up with an Atlantic Division rival
As summer wears on with no extensions in place for William Nylander and Auston Matthews, the speculation is increasing as to what will happen with these two skilled forwards.
Most credible reporters and insiders have no concerns over whether Matthews will sign. Everyone seems to be of the mindset that Matthews will get done, it's just a matter of when, how long and for how much. When it comes to Nylander, on the other hand, the trade rumours have already begun. With an ask at or above the $10M threshold, and with the Leafs pursuing a deal somewhere in the 8's, according to reports, we could very well be looking at Nylander being traded or simply playing out the final year of his deal and signing elsewhere next summer.
Arpon Basu, a writer for The Athletic, believes that if Nylander does indeed make it to market, he could potentially be a prime target for one of the Leafs' most heated rivals; the Montreal Canadiens.
"If the Canadiens decided it was time to get active in free agency, I would imagine they would target a forward, and more specifically a winger to fill out their top six. They would have the cap space to make a serious run at William Nylander if he makes it to market, and it doesn't sound as though talks on an extension with the Toronto Maple Leafs have gone all that well thus far... Nylander will cost at least $10 million a year on a long-term deal, one that would take him into his mid-30s. There's definite risk there, but players like him rarely make it to market. I'm not willing to predict the Canadiens will sign him, but if I were running things, I would do everything I could to make it happen." - Basu on the idea of the Canadiens pursuing William Nylander as a free agent in 2024
It's important to highlight the fact that Basu emphasized that he's not predicting that the Habs will be successful in signing Nylander, just that it's a move he could see happening if the Habs decide to become buyers and Nylander does reach the open market next summer.
| POLL |
AOUT 2 | 224 ANSWERS Reporter suggests that there's a possibility that William Nylander could end up with an Atlantic Division rival Can you see William Nylander signing with the Montreal Canadiens if he reaches free agency next summer? |
| Yes | 59 | 26.3 % |
| No | 165 | 73.7 % |
| List of polls |
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Previously on MapleLeafsDaily
