The Toronto Maple Leafs, ranked third in the Eastern Conference with a 18-8 record, just got even better.
The Maple Leafs and star winger William Nylander agreed to a six-year, $41.4 million ($6.9 million AAV) deal on Saturday, just before the deadline for Nylander to be eligible to play this season. The signing was first reported by TSN's Darren Dreger.
Told Nylander is staying. Done deal 6 yrs.
— Darren Dreger (@DarrenDreger) December 1, 2018
Nylander, 22, became a restricted free agent this summer after his entry-level contract expired. After back-to-back 61-point seasons with Toronto, Nylander was reportedly seeking a long-term deal worth upwards of $8 million per year, money that Toronto wasn't willing to pay.
The holdout caused Nylander to miss the first two months of the Maple Leafs' season, during which Nylander was training in his native Sweden. Had Nylander not signed by Saturday's 5 p.m. deadline, he would have not been able to sign a contract until July 1.
Bob McKenzie broke down the structure of Nylander's contract:
First year salary is pro rated $10M salary (6.77 M) plus a full $2M signing bonus. Net number of $8.77M. AAV of $10.2M.
In out years, the AAV is $6.996M.
In year two, base salary is $700K, SB of $8.3M.
In remaining years, $2.5M in base salary plus $3.5M SB.
— Bob McKenzie (@TSNBobMcKenzie) December 1, 2018
Nylander has a limited no-trade clause (10 teams) in the final year of his contract.
"I'm just hopeful Willy is going to be in our starting lineup whenever he gets over here," Maple Leafs coach Mike Babcock told reporters Saturday before Nylander signed. "I like the player. He's a good player. The team needs him. We want him back."
The Penguins will face the Maple Leafs and their high-powered offense in Toronto on Feb. 2.
