Report: Nylander negotiations could change things DRASTICALLY for the Leafs

What if the Toronto Maple Leafs could have it all. Many experts have pointed out the cap space and contract puzzle coming ahead, but what if it was possible for GM Lou Lamoriello to keep his three young stars around? 

On Wednesday, Leafs Lunch host Andi Petrillo, along with co-hosts Gord Miller and Craig Button debated the potential that the Leafs could sign William Nylander to a bridge contract, in hopes of waiting a bit more for Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner's deal extensions. 

It would not be too much of a stretch to see the Leafs waiting on Matthews and Marner, letting them play to free agent status on July 1, 2019 while trying to get Nylander to sign a bridge deal.

Or as Button suggests: a three-year deal like the Tampa Bay Lightning did with star forward Nikita Kucherov. The Russian player signed a three-year contract in 2016, worth a total of $14.3 million. 

From a cap point of view, the Leafs could squeeze Nylander first, then deal with Matthews and Marner after. 

Nylander once told Sportsnet he was not comfortable negotiating his next contract for 2018 and beyond now that the Leafs are engaged in what many think will be an assault on the Eastern Conference title.

Let's see if this new option changes anything.