William Nylander discusses how his contract status has impacted his red-hot start
Over the summer, and even into this season, a lot has been made about the contract status of 27-year-old William Nylander. He became eligible to sign an extension on July 1st, but has opted to play things slow entering the final year of his deal.
Nylander doesn't seem at all phased by the types of things that would phase any normal player. He has grown up surrounded by the Toronto media and has, apparently, built up a bit of an immunity to it, which is a huge asset for any player playing in one of the most volatile markets in the entire sport.
Prior to the start of the season, Nylander publicly acknowledged that he would be entering the year without an extension in place and that he would not discuss the matter further with the media. He did, however, mention that his agent, Lewis Gross, and Leafs GM Brad Treliving would continue to work away at getting a deal done in-season. He mentioned that he doesn't want to be informed about anything until the two sides are close. Otherwise, he just wants to focus on hockey.
Nylander has not only been focused, but appears to have taken his game to a whole new level this season, having recorded 11 points through his first 7 games of the season, being a key contributor for the Leafs' 5-2-0 record. He currently shares the team lead in points with captain John Tavares. He also sits 2nd in goals with 5, just behind Auston Matthews (7).
Following last night's win in Dallas, Nylander commented on what it's been like playing during a contract year, and not only that, but playing extremely well. Nylander acknowledged that he's very aware of his contract status, but that his focus is on the game, even with the contract situation hanging over him.
There have been a number of plusses this season for the Buds so far and a lot of positive talking points. There's Joseph Woll emerging as a potential #1 goalie, there's the overall play of young Matthew Knies, and there's even the age-defying John Tavares, but everyone's eyes seem to be on Nylander at the moment, as he is setting himself up for yet another career year, which is insane when you consider the fact that he racked up 40 goals and 87 points last year as a 2nd line player.
Clearly, there's a lot of talk about Nylander's game right now. The fans are talking about him, the media is talking about him, his teammates are talking about him, his coach is talking about him and, for once, it's all good talk. In years past, there was a bit of a "lazy player" narrative that had followed him around. Nylander is anything but that. He's become a superstar right before our eyes and hopefully he and the Leafs can find a way to get a deal done, because the Swedish star appears to very much be a player that you can win with.
| POLL | ||
OCTOBRE 27 | 261 ANSWERS William Nylander discusses how his contract status has impacted his red-hot start Will the Leafs extend William Nylander before Christmas? | ||
| Yes | 152 | 58.2 % |
| No | 109 | 41.8 % |
| List of polls | ||
