The Matthews and Nylander Contract Conundrum

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Ryan Hall
August 3, 2023 (7:11)

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In Maple Leafs' history, contract negotiations have rarely been as critical as they are now. Securing contract extensions for Auston Matthews and William Nylander is undoubtedly the most pivotal moment for this franchise.

The Maple Leafs have faced cap challenges in recent years, with four players locked up at a cost of over $40 million. The impending end of these contracts has left fans and pundits perplexed, but the newcomer GM, Brad Treliving, has been working diligently to address the situation.

Brad Treliving has expressed a strong commitment to signing both players to new contracts before the season's end. Retaining Matthews is of paramount importance, given his generational talent. The player himself has shown loyalty to Toronto and has repeatedly expressed his desire to continue playing here.

I expect that Matthews' contract will span around five years and cost between $13.5 and $14 million per season, which will have significant cap implications. It will make him the highest-paid player in the NHL. The team hopes that the salary cap will continue to rise over the coming years.

On the other hand, William Nylander has been an exciting player for the Maple Leafs, consistently contributing with his skills and goal-scoring ability, especially during critical playoff moments. However, his defensive performance has raised concerns among fans.

During his first contract negotiation, Nylander had a public dispute with Kyle Dubas, resulting in a $6.9 million per season deal for six years. His current contract negotiation seems to follow a similar pattern, with Nylander valuing himself at $10 million. However, recently deals for players of similar calibre have been signed below this threshold. To secure Nylander's services, I think the Maple Leafs will offer around $9 million per year for an eight-year term.

Both Matthews and Nylander have proven their worth, particularly when playing together on the same line. Under Brad Treliving's leadership, the vision for the Maple Leafs centers around these two key stars, and he is keen not to lose them.