NHL Rumor Mill – January 3, 2024
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.
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.