Will the Maple Leafs Hang Onto William Nylander for This Season?

As the Toronto Maple Leafs try to extend some of their top players, there's speculation about whether they keep William Nylander this year even if they can't re-sign him.

The lack of progress in contract extension talks between the Toronto Maple Leafs and William Nylander prompted some observers to suggest the 27-year-old winger could be traded before the start of this season.

It's believed Nylander seeks a long-term contract worth an average annual value of $10 million. With Auston Matthews expected to sign a lucrative extension and Mitch Marner in line for an expensive new contract in 2025, retaining all three could take up a considerable chunk of the Leafs' cap space.

As Calgary Flames GM, Leafs GM Brad Treliving watched Johnny Gaudreau depart for Columbus last summer. It was assumed he would prefer trading Nylander rather than risk losing another talented forward to free agency.

Of late, however, some Toronto pundits believe Treliving could opt to keep Nylander as an “own rental” for this season.

On July 23, the Toronto Sun's Steve Simmons suggested the Leafs let Nylander play out his final season in Toronto as they once again chase that elusive Stanley Cup. He doubted they would get anything close to equal value in the trade market. Simmons felt they could use the money they would've paid Nylander to upgrade other areas of the roster.

Five days later, Damien Cox of the Toronto Star wrote that it's a fantasy to believe Nylander will accept less than market value to stay in Toronto when he's got leverage as a UFA next summer.

Cox also noted most teams can't afford Nylander's current $6.962-million cap hit. He recommended letting Nylander walk next summer and using the cap savings to invest in a top-flight goaltender or a top defenseman.