William Nylander's fate in Toronto could soon be decided

He's set to become an unrestricted free agent this summer, and if he does indeed end up reaching the market, he's going to be one of the most coveted players in years.

Toronto Maple Leafs forward William Nylander is playing in the final year of his contract, and thanks to his scorching red hot to the season in which he registered at least one point in the first 17 games, he could be driving up his already high price tag. As it currently stands, he's on pace for a whopping 115 points, having already tallied 15 goals and 27 assists in the 30 games he's suited up in this season. 

And according to Chris Johnston of The Athletic, it appears as though things continue to be moving in the right direction for an extension between the Leafs and Nylander. 

"Well, they’re certainly working away at it and I think that’s maybe why there is no worry," Johnston stated during an appearance on TSN's 'Insider Trading'. "Because at this point in time, it does seem that the Leafs and William Nylander’s camp are on the same page on a number of fronts. For one, neither of them want to talk about this publicly, obviously they’re keeping a lid on negotiations as much as they can. But secondly, I think one thing that remains unchanged is what Nylander absolutely wants to be a Maple Leaf long-term. It’s still his goal and his camp’s goal to get a deal done. The Leafs want to sign a player who has had a tremendous season for them so far this year. And so the fact that the talks remain, that there does seem to be some optimism there, I think it’s a positive sign as we look toward a new year when they’ll try to get a deal done."

Earlier this year, Nylander gave all indications that he has no intention on giving the Leafs a discount when it comes to locking him up long term. But given his apparent desire to remain in Toronto, he could have to make a concession in order to make his new deal fit under the salary cap.

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