Leafs’ Marner speaks out on Nylander and contract hold out

Come on, Willy. Just sign already, even your teammates can’t defend this now.

HockeyFeed
HockeyFeed
Published 5 years ago
Leafs’ Marner speaks out on Nylander and contract hold out
Zuma Press

We’re now just two weeks from the the NHL’s deadline for restricted free agents to sign for the 2018-19 season, meaning that time is running out for the Toronto Maple Leafs and unsigned forward William Nylander to come to terms. The 22 year old Nylander has been without a contract since his three year, entry level deal expired this past offseason and, despite some serious negotiations with Leafs general manager Kyle Dubas, the two sides appear nowhere close to a deal. 

It’s a frustrating stalemate that has led to dozens of trade rumours regarding Nylander’s future and now, with teammate Mitch Marner weighing in, I think we can officially say that Nylander has become a locker room distraction. When asked point bank about Nylander’s situation, Marner didn’t mince any words in describing his feelings. "It sucks thinking about it,” said the 21 year old Marner when asked on the potential of Nylander sitting out the entire season. 

It’s clear that head coach Mike Babcock shares Marner’s feelings, as well. "When you go around the league and play good teams,” Babcock said, “it really shows when you’re really not quite as deep as you could be.” Translation: Smarten up, kid because we NEED you in this lineup.

A report this past weekend indicated that the Leafs offered Nylander a long term deal believed to be comparable to Boston Bruins forward David Pastrnak’s $6.7 annual salary. Nylander rejected the deal. 

The way things are going do not be surprised if Nylander signs at the 11th hour on November 30th or the Leafs tire of this entire drama and ship his rights elsewhere. Either way, it’s safe to say that this entire ordeal has been blown WAY out of proportion. Just sign already, Willy.

Source: Mark Masters