Toronto Maple Leafs rumors: Management meeting with William Nylander

The Toronto Maple Leafs are getting closer to signing restricted free agent forward William Nylander, as they’re meeting with his representation in Switzerland. 

The Toronto Maple Leafs are off to a roaring start this season, as they’ve won six of their first seven games. In the process, they have scored 33 goals. The Leafs have done this despite not having William Nylander, who remains unsigned.

According to Lance Hornby of the Toronto Sun, Toronto is getting more aggressive with trying to get him to sign a deal. General Manager Kyle Dubas is reportedly meeting with Nylander and his representation (agent Lewis Gross and father Michael Nylander) in Switzerland.

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Now, the purpose of this meeting isn’t known, but it’s likely one of two things. First of all, it could be to get a contract signed. Both sides would like to get something done by Dec. 1 because that’s the deadline for unsigned RFAs to sign. Nylander would have to miss the entire 2018-19 NHL season if he doesn’t sign by that date. Missing the entire season is something neither side wants.

Secondly, it could be a way for Dubas to reassure Nylander that he’s in the Leafs long-term plans despite this situation. However, it’s not likely he would fly all the way to Switzerland just for that. It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure out the Leafs want to sign Nylander and this trip is probably happening to speed up the process.

Toronto hasn’t been able to work anything out with Nylander because they are wary of future cap concerns. Most notably, both Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner will need new contracts after this season. Also, Nylander is five years away from free agency. So anything longer than a five-year deal would require a significant financial commitment.

Whether it’s a long-term deal or a short-term bridge deal, expect something to get done by Dec. 1. Despite the Leafs early success, they are a much better team with Nylander. Kasperi Kapanen has done well, but he’s also getting a ton of playing time with Matthews. He has the tendency to elevate his linemates’ production. Nylander would make the Leafs an even deeper and more lethal team.

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