Ding dong the Witch is dead…
Saturday afternoon the Toronto Maple Leafs and forward William Nylander FINALLY put pen to paper and hammered out a new long-term contract that will keep Nylander in Toronto for at least six years. Or will it? NHL insider and Sportsnet analyst Elliotte Friedman reported BEFORE Nylander signed his deal that he believes the Leafs will look to trade Nylander at some point early in his contract. Obviously the Leafs didn’t go the “sign and trade route” with Willy prior to Saturday’s deadline, but could they still move Nylander at some point this season?
Not a chance says Nylander himself.
According to Leafs insider Kristen Shilton of TSN, Leafs general manager Kyle Dubas personally assured Nylander that, so long as he’s in charge, the team will NOT be moving Nylander.
Check it out:
William Nylander says Kyle Dubas told me that as long as he’s here, then Nylander won’t be moved. Feels totally secure in longevity of new deal.
Interesting tactic from Dubas whether he means it or not. It’s a ballsy move to make, as we’ve all seen just how quickly a player’s value can drop and how circumstances can change. Nevertheless, Dubas and the Leafs have made a commitment to Nylander and we’ll have to see how it plays out.
One thing is clear though, Willy is signed and ready to hit the ice with his team this week.
