Maple Leafs star William Nylander on the verge of Losing his extension deal?
Rumours surfaced earlier this week that William Nylander and the Leafs were close to finalizing a deal, and now this NHL insider is cautioning that Nylander could be on the verge of losing it.
The Nylander and Leafs' negotiations are nearing their crux, after rumors surfaced this week that the two sides were getting close to finalizing a deal. Nylander has effectively played himself into a massive pay increase from what he was asking for earlier, as he entered the season being offered a reported $8-9 million AAV while asking for $10 million, and is now rumoured to be looking at a deal in the $10-11.5 million range.
However, Elliotte Friedman is now cautioning Nylander and his camp not to push too far, as they could run into a breaking point where the Leafs have to back away, given the significant increase from their original offers this year.
Friedman had the following to say on the 32 Thoughts podcast.
The only danger here - because I think everyone wants this done, I think the player wants this done, I think the team wants it done, I think the agent wants it done - the only danger zone here is, does it ever get to a point where, as much as the Leafs have moved, it doesn't get to a space where they can agree and the Leafs just say, 'you know what, we can't go there'.
Again, I have not spoken to the Leafs, so I'm being super careful about this, but I think they feel that they've really budged a lot and now Nylander has to budge a little bit too - and if that happens, this is going to get done. From what I understand right now, there's no reason why this contract shouldn't happen."
Everyone is on the same page that Nylander should be paid for his past performances, and that he has earned himself an even higher increase for his success this season. However, the trouble is that the rumoured $11.25 million deal that he and the Leafs are working on would make him one of the highest-paid players in the NHL, which some people say is too high.
We will have to see just how far the Leafs are willing to be pushed as they get closer to finalizing a deal.
As seen on Maple Leafs Daily - Nylander at risk of losing his extension with the Maple Leafs
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