Maple Leafs and William Nylander Reportedly Hit Major Roadblock

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Aaron Itovitch
July 18, 2023 (8:08 PM)

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The Maple Leafs have two crucial contracts to negotiate, in Auston Matthews and William Nylander. While things are reportedly going well with the former, the latter is having some issues.

Two Sides Reach Standstill

The Maple Leafs and William Nylander's camps clearly have very different ideas of what he should be compensated. Per Elliotte Friedman, the two sides are very far apart:

"I think that's kind of at a standstill. Unless someone really budges (on) their position, that one is going to stay at a standstill."

Eight-Digit Ask From Nylander's Camp

Per SDPN's Chris Johnston, Nylander's camp is eyeing a deal worth about $10-Million annually. The Maple Leafs want a deal that starts with a seven or an eight, which is very optimistic.

Friedman continued to explain that Nylander has no interest in taking a discount to win as he doesn't believe his teammates, notably Matthews, Marner, and Tavares have.

"I think the issue there from Nylander is if other players aren't going to take a little bit less (money) to win there (in Toronto), then I don't think that he's going to, either,"

Nylander clearly doesn't seem too motivated to stay in Toronto. Will the Leafs be able to keep him around, or will there be a trade before he becomes a UFA in 2024?

As Read on The Hockey News - Report: Contract Extension Negotiations with Nylander and Maple Leafs Reach 'Standstill'