The Toronto Maple Leafs have no interest in trading unsigned restricted free agent forward William Nylander.
The Toronto Maple Leafs came into this season expecting to have their original big three to build around. Even before signing John Tavares, the Leafs had three really great young players. Auston Matthews has 10 goals through six games and Mitch Marner has three goals and seven assists for 10 points in six games. However, William Nylander has yet to play, as he is still unsigned.
While waiting for a new deal, the restricted free agent forward is training overseas in Sweden. Both sides are trying to get the best deal, but thus far, neither side has blinked in this staring contest.
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Naturally, Nylander and his agent want as much money as possible. He’s in an interesting scenario, as he’s the first of the Leafs young players to need a new contract. Matthews and Marner will need new contracts next summer as well. It’s an awkward situation to be in, as Nylander wants to play, but also wants to make sure he is fairly compensated.
On the other hand, it’s not hard to see why the Maple Leafs want to have their Swedish forward for the least expensive price possible. It’s sort of like buying a car. Just like the buyer never agrees to the initial offer, the seller rarely agrees to the first counteroffer. It’s a game of negotiation, with both sides working together until a fair price is reached.
Despite Nylander not being signed, the Leafs have no interest in trading him. Nor has he asked for a trade. Heck, no team has even attempted to sign Nylander to an offer sheet.
Why No Offer Sheet?
NHL teams rarely sign anyone to offer sheets. Part of it is because general managers don’t like to piss each other off too much. They’re also worried about future repercussions. But the major reason no one signs anyone to offer sheets is because of the compensation system.
To sign anyone meaningful, you’d have to overpay. Or at least sign a player to an offer sheet you’re fairly certain the other team wouldn’t match. It’s even more difficult to do this once you realize for compensation purposes, any deal over five years is averaged over the course of five years for the cap hit.
If Nylander wants at least $7 million over seven years, that would mean a team would have to give up four first-round picks if the Leafs can’t match. That’s risky business for anyone. And, if you consider which teams could afford to sign him to that deal, most of them are rebuilding teams. This means they would be risking giving up a significant draft pick (or two or three or four).
Now, Marner might see an offer sheet next summer. But chances are he won’t because the current compensation system makes it too risky.
What Will Happen Between Leafs And Nylander?
Signing Nylander for five years makes little sense to either party because that just takes him to unrestricted free agency. Four years would be best for the Leafs. Considering how hockey players can see their careers ended on short notice, it’s not surprising Nylander wants a long-term commitment.
However, he might be better off taking a three-year or four-year deal. This would allow him to get back on the market soon and earn an even bigger deal. Expect something to be worked out before Dec. 1 because neither party wants Nylander to miss the entire season. The Leafs, while lethal even without him, would be even more so with him. Meanwhile, Nylander would have to try to negotiate a deal despite not playing for a full season. This would mean less money for him.
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