NHL Insider Eklund has just revealed major insight into why the Leafs may be hesitant to sign William Nylander for long term. While many believe that it is due to cap constraints in the short term, Eklund believes that the Leafs don't want to tie their hands in case Connor McDavid becomes available in a few years.
This would be a massive development. It is hard to imagine Connor McDavid in any other jersey than an Oilers jersey. However, Toronto is his hometown, and with the current state of the Oilers, anything is possible really.
There has been a lot of fan speculation (which is really just hope) that McDavid might want a return to the Leafs. Given the Leafs' cap situation, they would need to make some things work. William Nylander would either be gone after his short-term deal. John Tavares would need to be on a massive hometown discount.