Report: Leafs star willing to make huge sacrifice for team's future!

The Toronto Maple Leafs have a lot to take care of this upcoming season, with just under $49 million invested in 15 players for 2018-19. The Canadian team must must ensure sufficient cap room to re-sign Auston Matthews, William Nylander and Mitch Marner to the expensive new contracts they are almost sure to land over the next two years.

There might be a way after all. According to NHL insider Pierre LeBrun,  there haven’t been any serious contract discussions yet between the Maple Leafs and winger James van Riemsdyk, who’s eligible next summer for unrestricted free agency. 

However, the insider noted on TSN that JvR would be willing to do an eight-year deal if it meant it was more cap friendly for the Leafs. But JvR will turn 29 next May and an eight-year deal might appear far too long at this stage in his career. 

The star forward might be willing to cut down on cash, but the term might be the biggest hurdle for the Leafs. JvR would need to remain healthy, but if his output declines over the final four seasons,  it might be hard for him to get a long-term deal as he hopes. 

JrV might have to sacrifice more…?