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William Nylander issues definitive statement on Maple Leafs future
William Nylander is entering the final season of his six-year, $41.4 million contract with the Toronto Maple Leafs. This summer, the Maple Leafs locked in Auston Matthews to a new deal, that will kick start next year. The hope was to also get Nylander signed, but that didn't come to fruition.
Reports then came out that Nylander and the Maple Leafs were far apart in contract negotiations, and many expected the Swede would walk in free agency.
However, on Thursday, Toronto's training camp opened and Nylander spoke to the media and said he wants to remain a Maple Leaf, according to The Hockey News' David Alter:
"I want to be here and this is where I want to play," Nylander said in his media interaction on Thursday. "But I'm going to let my agent (Lewis Gross) and Brad (Maple Leafs GM Brad Treliving take care of that and I'm not going to answer any more questions about my contract."
Although Nylander wants to remain a Toronto Maple Leaf, it's uncertain if that will happen, as Toronto is right up against the salary cap.
But, it is good news for Maple Leafs fans that Nylander wants to remain in Toronto. Maple Leafs general manager Brad Treliving also said they are trying to get something done with the Swede. He said:
"We'll try to get it done. We'll work with Lewis and see where it gets to."
William Nylander's career
William Nylander was drafted eighth overall in 2014 by the Toronto Maple Leafs. Although, Nylander didn't make his NHL debut until the 2015-16 season and skated in 22 games in his rookie year. The Swede then took over a full-time role the following year and has been a key part of Toronto's core.
William Nylander has skated in 521 games, recording 177 goals, 253 assists, and 430 points. Last season, the Swede played in all 82 games and put up 87 points, and for the first time, he was above a point-per-game player in the NHL.
As well, Nylander has been one of Toronto's lone bright spots in the playoffs. A knock on the Maple Leafs has been the star players go quiet in the post-season, but last year, Nylander put up 10 points in 11 games.
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