Breaking: Maple Leafs and Nylander have reportedly agreed on salary!

This sounds like a great step in the right direction... 

On Friday morning, there has been a rare positive sign that the saga could be coming to an end sooner rather than later. Former National Hockey League forward and Sportsnet analyst Marc Savard has revealed this morning on his Twitter account that, according to his "insider", the Toronto Maple Leafs and free agent William Nylander have finally agreed on an annual salary. 

This could surely speed things up in the process, though the term remains an issue between both parties, Savard adds. 

"I’m hearing that 6.9 mill a year gets @wmnylander in a @MapleLeafs uniform before December 1st deadline !! My insider will remain anonymous!! Goodnight Ladies & Gents...

But I believe they are still having trouble with Term of the deal!!"

Various reports have indicated the Leafs have been sticking at around $6 million per season, while Nylander has apparently been looking closer to $8 million. Savard's source, which will remain anonymous, believes they have agreed on $6,9 million - which make it seems like Nylander made some concessions. 

The Leafs and Nylander have both repeatedly indicated their preference is to have a long-term association with each other. However, if the Maple Leafs agree to give him this significant annual salary, Nylander might have to give on some of his term preferences... 

Nylander officially made history on Thursday by becoming longest restricted free agent holdout since the NHL instituted its salary cap system back in 2005. Nashville Predators forward Kyle Turris previously held the longest period after missing 47 days and 19 games with then then Phoenix Coyotes, now Arizona Coyotes, during the 2011-12 season. Turris eventually signed a two year, $2.8 million deal with the Coyotes, but played just six more games with the team before he was shipped off to the Ottawa Senators in December of 2011.

If Nylander does not agree a new deal by 5 pm ET on Dec. 1, he will miss the entire 2018-19 campaign.

The clock is ticking, the pressure is on - sure seems like this is what Maple Leafs fans want to hear! There is a sense of agreement, one that hasn't been present in the process since its beginning and now, we might finally get a resolution!