Toronto-based analyst predicting that a star forward will leave the Leafs in a couple of seasons; it's not Matthews
The Leafs are certainly the talk of the NHL at the moment, thanks to a lengthy 15-game point streak. They have a chance to tie a franchise record tonight in New York as they look to extend their point streak to 16 games. They have not reached such a streak in almost two decades (2003-04).
Not only are they playing well as a team, but the Leafs' star players are all playing to their full potential right now. Each of Auston Matthews, Mitch Marner, John Tavares and William Nylander are providing the Leafs with excellent production, all at or over a point per game this season. Nylander, in particular, is having an excellent year.
Naturally, just as they've done with Auston Matthews during his 60-goal campaign, the Toronto media has now turned their focus to Nylander in a career year and has begun to speculate that his play is going to price him out of Toronto. At least, according to Nick Kypreos.
Nylander (33 points on the season) is currently the team's leader in goals with 17 and he's also just 4 points back of Mitch Marner (37 points on the season) for the team lead in points. He's currently on pace for 46 goals and 90 points. Yes, these are elite numbers. No, William Nylander is not going to make more on his next deal than Auston Matthews, Mitch Marner and John Tavares are currently making now.
The Leafs are in very good shape in terms of their expiring contracts providing them with a lot of financial relief and flexibility with which to spend on their star players, Nylander included. Quite simply, if Nylander and the Leafs reach a deal that pays him $10M per season two summers from now, that's perfectly fine. He's earned it with his play, and the Leafs have some large contracts coming off the books in two years, namely Jake Muzzin and T.J. Brodie, who combine for more than $10M against the cap. Kerfoot, Engvall and Holl are all up this summer, which also frees up nearly $8M as well. In addition, Matt Murray will be coming off of his current deal, which the Leafs are on the hook for just under $5M of and the only deals with term over 3 years remaining beginning next year are Morgan Rielly and Calle Jarnkrok.
All of this to say that William Nylander is not going anywhere - unless it's what he wants to do. It also wouldn't be shocking to see a Nylander contract signed before Matthews signs his extension.
| POLL | ||
DECEMBRE 15 | 261 ANSWERS Toronto-based analyst predicting that a star forward will leave the Leafs in a couple of seasons; it's not Matthews Is William Nylander pricing himself out of Toronto? | ||
| Yes | 114 | 43.7 % |
| No | 77 | 29.5 % |
| Why can't we have good things and enjoy them? | 70 | 26.8 % |
| List of polls | ||
