NHL Rumor Mill – January 3, 2024
Are the Leafs and William Nylander close to a contract extension? Are the Leafs going to add a goaltender? What’s the latest on Bruins winger Jake DeBrusk? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.
LEAFS AND NYLANDER CLOSING IN ON AN EXTENSION?
SPORTSNET: Nick Kypreos said he’s heard the Toronto Maple Leafs could be getting close to a contract extension with William Nylander. The 27-year-old winger is slated to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1.
Toronto Maple Leafs forward William Nylander (NHL Images).
Kypreos said the general feeling between the two sides is to get a deal done before the 2024 NHL All-Star weekend. The All-Star Game will be held on Saturday, Feb. 3.
The annual average value of Nylander’s new contract could be around $11.25 million for eight seasons on a front-loaded deal. It would be similar to that of Boston Bruins winger David Pastrnak.
Luke Fox cited Elliotte Friedman saying that the paperwork on a Nylander extension could be completed by this week. He echoed Kypreos’ claim that the Leafs would prefer to have this taken care of before the All-Star weekend.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: The original asking price from the Nylander camp last summer was reportedly an AAV of over $10 million. However, his strong performance this season had more than a few observers (including yours truly) suggesting it could go higher.
With projected cap space of $32.5 million for 2024-25, the Leafs can afford to sign Nylander to that contract. It would leave around $20 million to re-sign or replace other pending UFAs like Tyler Bertuzzi, Max Domi, TJ Brodie, Mark Giordano and Martin Jones. They’ll also have restricted free agents like Timothy Liljegren and Noah Gregor to re-sign but they would be affordable to retain.
On the horizon will be a contract extension for Mitch Marner before 2025. At his current AAV of $10.9 million, he’ll likely seek more than whatever Nylander gets.
Captain John Tavares’ contract also expires in 2025. He’ll have to accept a substantial pay cut from his current $11 million AAV to stay in Toronto. Matthew Knies and Joseph Woll will be their notable RFAs in 2025.
LEAFS GM NOT HOPEFUL OF FINDING A GOALIE IN THE TRADE MARKET
THE ATHLETIC: Jonas Siegel wrote that Treliving isn’t ruling out pursuing another goalie with Ilya Samsonov currently in the minors and Joseph Woll uncertain to return from injury before the All-Star break. “We always look at everything,” he said.
Given the limited options currently in the trade market, Treliving may have little choice but to bet on what they’ve got. It’s hoped that Samsonov will regain his form with help from the Leafs goalie coach. For now, they’re allowing Samsonov time for a physical and mental reset. He won’t be playing or practicing with the Marlies for at least this week.
TORONTO STAR: Kevin McGran reports Maple Leafs general manager Brad Treliving doesn’t sound optimistic about finding a trade for a suitable goaltender. “I checked outside, the goaltender tree was empty,” said Treliving. “I couldn’t pick one off there. We’ll see with a little bit of sun, maybe they’ll grow a few more.”
SPORTSNET: During Monday’s “32 Thoughts” podcast, Elliotte Friedman reported the Leafs were offering up a late-round pick (like a sixth-rounder) in the goalie market. However, the clubs they spoke with prefer a better return like a prospect.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: If Martin Jones can hold the fort until Woll’s return or Samsonov regains his confidence (whichever comes first), the Leafs might dodge a bullet and come out of this still holding a playoff berth in the Atlantic Division. If Jones should struggle or become sidelined by an injury, they could be in big trouble by the end of this month. It could force Treliving into overpaying for help in the trade market.
LATEST ON DEBRUSK
BOSTON HOCKEY NOW: Mick Colageo wondered if push will come to shove for Bruins winger Jake DeBrusk by the March 8 trade deadline or on July 1 when he’ll be eligible for UFA status. The 27-year-old’s inconsistent performance during his career in Boston suggests an uncertain future with the Bruins.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Athletic’s Fluto Shinzawa last month pondered whether the Bruins would re-sign DeBrusk, trade him, or let him depart this summer as a free agent.
He considers trading the winger the least likely option unless they can make a hockey trade and land a player in return. Otherwise, they’d be trading him for futures that won’t help them this season. Shinzawa cited a league executive suggesting he’d fetch at best a second-round pick and a B-grade prospect.
I wouldn’t be surprised to see DeBrusk still on the Bruins’ roster following the March 8 trade deadline. Whether he sticks around beyond July 1 remains to be seen.
There is no available goalie out there worth much, a GM who wants to keep his job shoul not overpay for mediocrity. Also, I think that is wishful thinking on UFA DeBrusk unless he agree to a cheap deal.
The Leafs Really Need a Proven Starter in Net,
Like a Linus Ullmark❓
They keep trying to get bye half ass on the Goaltending front Every Year
Then Pair that with a Medioce Defence….
=1st Round Exits ✔️
To get Bostons Goaltender LU, it will cost them as he is the Best Proven Starting Goaltender that could be Avalable
They will have to Sign Swayman to an 8 X $8.M,
if not he will get that on the open market All Day…. 25 years old & Great Numbers only getting better…
They the Leafs would have to go up against NJ & Carolina to get him with a best offer……. ❓
The Cost
A- 1st pick and Two prospect listed below and ❓
OR
A- Combpo of both of these two as Bruins need Wingers Minten & Knies and a 3rd pick
A -Matthew Knies
Or
A- RW/C Easton Cowan
Or
Fraser Minten
The leafs would then ask Linus Ullmark to sign an Extention 5 years at $$6.M, ❓
Haven’t seen these great playoff stats from Ullmark??
Also, you can’t compare Boston’s excellent defensive zone play to most teams. In saying that, a lot of goalies could thrive in that system.
So what the Leafs need is a good coach to teach proper defensive zone play.
As for Nylander, the price is reasonable. Instead of 8 maybe 5 years.
After the Leafs get a Real Goaltender….❓
They will need to fix the defence, both areas are Mediocre at best in
Leaf-land, the leafs d has been poor for many years
Thriving in any teams you need good players
If they don’t fix both these areas it’s an other 1st round exit for the leafs 😳
Williew Ullmark’s playoff stats aren’t the best, are you aware of that? Boston Burins were reversed swept by the panthers last year and you can bet Ullmark had his part in it. He will best be utilized as a starter for a team that needs a goalie help them get in the playoffs not one that a team can ride to the finals.
Is JVR the best signing this past year 1 million 7 goals like 18 apples 25 points in 33 games ?
Obe
He very well might be. He seems to fit in well with bruins this year.
Another player who deserve some respect is Trent Frederick.
Frederick is 4th on the bruins in goals with 10 on pace for 23 goals. Frederick point are all 5vs5 except 1 short handed assist. he is also a plus 9
Frederick has shown growth each season over his previous season. Frederick has more talent then being a physical player he also has skill. Good speed and a good shot.
Time some bruins fans realize this player is more then a physical presence and a good complete player.
Caper
He has improved every season as a Bruin He seems more comfortable in his game. Not afraid to make a mistake a definite keeper. Who would have bet bruins lead nhl in pts in Jan 24 after all the departing players. Not even this die hard Bruin saw that happening
Ullmark won’t be available until this summer. For Ullmark, Carolina sounds like a better fit than the rest. I expect DeBrusk to be resigned at about the same money he gets now on a 3-4 year deal. Is Marner really worth more than Nylander?
Kochetkov has proven his worth in Carolina now that Andersen is coming back and not worth throwing a pile of draft picks or prospects for Ullmark so I just don’t see that coming anytime soon.
No scenario where WM gets 11.25. We are to believe Treliving balked at 10 mill over the summer and in 3 months this happened? Come on. Of he got 11.25 from someone else as aUFA would be for 7 years only… So thats rough9.8 or 10 mill over an 8 year deal. My bet is 10.25 over 8 years. Anymore is insane.., im a huge Nylander fan but he is not in the Pastrnak class
And yet someone thought Pierre Luc-Dubois was worth 8.5 million. Based on that signing alone,11.25 is a bargain for Nylander.
On a somewhat seperate note. Is Mitch Marner really worth more than Nylander…Marner kills penalties, Nylander doesnt. Nylander can play centre Marner cant. Nylander has been the better playoff performer, he just isnt a better player and I dont get the obsession with leaf management to pay Marner as a top 5 player..
Nylander is being used on the penalty kill now.
The key question re Marner is Auston Matthews asking “You’re getting rid of Marner? See you later.”
BCLeaf Fan
Why would Matthews leave simply because Marner does? Could any team afford them both?
Tavares will be at a much lower salary when his deal is up. If you flip the cap hits of Tavares and Nylander the money is the same.
The Leafs need reliable goaltending NOW far more than a middling pick or prospect that’s years away from full time NHL duty.
Could they pry Blackwood from SJ for Steeves, Samsonov, and a 3rd?
With their backs against the wall no GM will be doing the Leafs any favours.
Are the Leaf’s backs against the wall Daryl?
They are comfortably in a playoff spot as TB has played 4 more games than they have.
Woll has played really well for the Leafs whenever he has had an opportunity and will be back in time for the playoffs, and from what I have read on here for years is; that is what matters for the Leafs. I would agree with that. Jones has been stellar as well.
Nope you’re not getting Blackwood for an undrafted career AHL’er, a 3rd round pick which is not worth much, plus SJ eats Samsonov.
That’s kind of the point, if the Leafs chase a tender now, they will get drilled, let alone find a sucker GM. They will do what Edmonton is doing, wait to see if the market changes. You can only play one tender at a time, and teams usually just roll with one guy in the playoffs.
I’m not convinced the Leafs trade for one at all if they keep the pace they are on until the TDL other than add some depth if Sammy doesn’t get it going. Goaltending is voodoo, who knows who will get hot. Anybody call Adin Hill winning a cup before he did it in Vegas? He was never even a starter until this year, which is after he won the cup. GM’s can wee what we can see, tenders are unreliable except for a handful.
LOL the Leafs need D and help in goal but signing Nylander is the top priority?..Never will Toronto see more than a second round exit with a team built like that…How bout trading Willy for Tanev and Hanafin that would be a start.
Debrusk will finish year with B’s then some other team will overpay in free agency.
Toronto should target Carter Hart. The rebuild is still very much a thing in Philadelphia. If Toronto offers a pair of sweeteners along with Samsonov, it should work out for both teams.
Craig,
Don’t think Philly is giving up on Cater Hart….❗️
The 25 yr old is a big part of the rebuild in Philly
Philly just need to get rid of 3 of the old players with big fat contracts that will start to end over the next few years🤙
By your logic, you think the Flyers, yes Flyers are going to be cup contenders/favorites in what, 5 or 7 yrs? So somehow, teams like the oilers, leafs, sens, hawks, *any other recently torn down and recently rebuilt teams* have taken or are going to be about 10 yrs or more before they do… hi Edmonton!, but somehow Philly won’t?
Having a good goalie that can steal you a game or two while you’re in the process of rebuilding only hurts a team, in that even stealing one game can cost a team to draft outside the top 10 and philly’s draft record is nothing special…aka they can’t afford that to happen, especially when they could of added assets that will help them rebuild but making them temporary worse and/or be developed when the window to compete opens.
So ya, trading a valuable asset can accelerate a rebuild if done correctly.
Why would Philly want Samsonov ?? Lol
Toronto doesn’t have the goods to get Hart, unless your starting with Knies and a 1st round pick.
Hey MP, Re Philly
I dont think they would trade Carter Hart this season then he is a RFA in july 2024…
over the next 2 years philly will clear some Dead cap hits – space in moving out some older players like…..
1-Rd man 33 yr old Ryan Ellis @ $6.25M X 3 .5 more years
2-Goaltender 29 yr old Cal Petersen @$5.M for 1.5 more years if he can improve his play if not they are stuck with him 100%…!!
3-RW/LW 33 yr old Cam Atkinson @ $5.275M for 1.5 more years
They have 2X 1st round & 2X 2nd round picks coming up at this 2024 draft and have some good prospects down with the AHL Phantoms
They also need a 2nd line centre after 31 yr old Sean Couturier, as they dont have anyone to fill that positions in house….🤔
They have $20M in Cap Space and just need to re-sign
1-D/man UFA, RD Scott Walker Who have been good on the 2nd paring ….$3.M2
2- They have 3-4 RFA total $5M and to re-sign
3– Carter Hart….? maybe short term deal @ $5M for 3-4 years
Or long term $6M X 8 years takes him till 33 yrs old❓
4–that would leave them $5 to $7M in cap space for 2024/25 season before trading any of the 3 Older players out ballpark $5.M each
Philly Also has young 1st year goaltender 24 yr old Samuel Ersson who has played well,
but he will need a full season more experince.
Now that would be a big overpayment And I hate the leafs Wish they make that trade
If Tyson Barry gets traded to Vancouver should the leafs trade for zadorov ?
Why would either of these things happen?
Dont think the Canucks are Trading Big 28 yr old Zadorov
He is Exactly What they needed on d and has helped settle down the d there, i hear they want to extend big Z……….❓
He is way beter than $6.M dollan man 34 yr old
Tyler Myers who they will trade or let walk as a UFA in July👍
Canucks will have to replace 35 yr old Ian Cole in july as they want to get younger 👍
They have $31.M in cap space in july…..
They have to re-sign
Elias Pettersson for $11.M X 8 years..
Big Z 4 or 5 years at $4.M
Dakota Joshua $3.M
Teddy Blueger $3.M
Sam Lafferty $2.M
Goaltender back up Casey DeSmith 2X1.5M
that leaves $6.5 M
for one LD or RD man D/man…
DeBrusk will be 28 years old by the start of next season,because of his hockey career thus far inconsistently has been his issue, can’t see the Bruins giving him $6 million per and probably 5 years which will be his asking price ….agree trading him for a draft pick seems like a loss, trading him for a player could work, and just letting him walk seems like whats going to happen …
Package Debrusk with someone else and make a meaningful trade!
Joe.
That is a good 59 50 wager right there
Ray Bark
Do you realize the difference between Samsonov’s contract and Blackwood’s is only $1.2M
Steeves is a point per game player in the AHL right now. Big difference between making the Leafs team vs the Sharks team.
Woll may come back and be lights out…he may not. High ankle sprains can be tricky.
Samsonov has shown he can’t be counted on. While they’re in a playoff spot now do you honestly see them going into the playoffs with Jones as the #2 goalie?