Through 11 games this season, Nylander hasn't gone scoreless in a game yet, posting six goals and nine assists over that time, and now it's becoming clear that he's the star they always hoped for.
With his contract extension looming however, the Leafs now know they'll need to pay him as a superstar, and if they don't, then their critics won't ever allow them to forget about it.
Nylander has made it clear he wants to stay in Toronto, and while there's several reasons for that, the team have won just one playoff series in his time here, proving that those reasons certainly don't include winning.
The team can allow him to play alongside Matthews, Marner and Tavares in a market where he's clearly beloved, and if he asks for anything over $10 million right now, he'd likely get it, but ultimately, he will only do that if winning isn't his top and only priority.
Ultimately, the team will continue to dominate the regular season, but with the likes of Boston and Tampa Bay awaiting them in the playoffs, a Stanley Cup run is still just a pipe dream, so if he does remain a Maple Leaf, now you know the reasons behind it.
As Read on The Globe and Mail - Why William Nylander is choosing to stay in Toronto says a lot about the Maple Leafs
POLL | ||
Will Nylander sign long-term in Toronto? | ||
Yes | 541 | 65.3 % |
No | 287 | 34.7 % |
List of polls |