Top NHL insiders predict Nylander and Matthews contracts

The Toronto Maple Leafs are facing contract extensions for three star forwards in Auston Matthews, Mitch Marner, and William Nylander. 

Of the three, Nylander is the only one who is set to be an RFA after this season - so his contract is the most time-sensitive. That being said, NHL insiders Darren Dreger and Pierre LeBrun of TSN shared their thoughts on the matter - specifically regarding Nylander and Matthews.

Dreger predicts that with an expected increase in the salary cap next year and a steady rise in the subsequent years, Matthews will be due for a huge contract - perhaps bigger than Connor McDavid's. 

He expects that a player of Matthews' caliber occupies 15-17% of a team's overall cap hit, and with the salary cap rising every year, agent Pat Brisson will try to factor that into the annual average value that Matthews receives. That could exceed $13 million. McDavid will earn $12.5 million starting next season.

Matthews has a year left on his entry-level deal, so an extension would likely only occur in the summer.

As for Nylander, LeBrun believes that Nylander will want to wait this season out before putting pen to paper. Playing next to Matthews, the Swede is bound to put up career numbers and boost his value further by year's end. The insider sees a contract deal starting with the number 7.

What do you think these players are worth?