I can't see him agreeing to anything less than $7.5 on a 6 year deal. If I had to guess, the Leafs will let him sit for the year. He will play in the KHL for the remainder of the year. Leafs will trade him at the draft.

I am not sure Nylander would want to do that, it will hurt his value too much. My guess either it'll be a 2 year 6 mill deal or a 7x7.

Would want what? He's not getting 2 years at $6 million.

Sit for a year, and why not? That is a better bridge than anyone has ever received and it allows him to get paid more after Marleau is gone. Its his easiest route to getting a bigger long term deal. Its definitely not my favorite idea but I think it would get him in the lineup asap.

I usually dont agree with @LoganOllivier but hes saying a bridge deal but id say best bet is 7x8 if you bridge nylander he will want 9 for sire nect contract

Based on only what I've heard, it doesn't seem like the Leafs are prepared to offer a bridge deal at $6 million and I totally get it. I wouldn't offer him that money. I am sure Nylander will also want a big signing bonus for money he's missed out on while sitting. I don't think him sitting out a year hurts his value. It makes an example out of him. Personally, there is no good way this ends. Either the player caves and is unhappy, the Leafs stand pat and he sits, or he gets dealt and would probably become the most hated ex-Leaf ever.

Oh for sure and I've been the biggest proponent of getting him signed for 8 years. I just don't know if he's going to accept that. But who knows, what if he doesn't progress like some (Myself) expect? Maybe he'll just get an 8 year 7.5 million dollar contract in 2 years. Either way, I think the best option for TO is to resign him. I am not confident they'll get fair value for him in a trade.

I agree ideally i said 7.25 x 8 would be spot on

That is a sentiment many have, if he doesn't get the money he wants then he'll be unhappy and sulk. Trouba didn't, Turris didn't when he sat out. Peca missed a year and didn't sulk when he came back. Once its all done and in the past, Nylander will just play hockey and have fun. Sure this hasn't been ideal but Dubas doesn't seem to be the guy to try to put a guy in his place, rather have a meaningful discussion to find common ground.

I'd have no issues with anything under 8 to be honest. He's a great player and will only get better. If giving him 8 means we lose one or two of Brown, Johnsson or Kapanen is that really a huge loss? They can be replaced without much trouble while Nylander is extremely hard to replace.

Haha hey ive seen lots saying kapenen will replace nylander but i agree

Nylander is a terrific guy to have on your team. He is a very good penalty killer, and has super elite speed. He's a guy that is amazing to have on the 3rd line and if he needs to move up, he can and impress. That being said, he's not in the same league as Nylander. Nylander is just better, he's almost as fast and is much better at handling the puck, shooting, passing and taking the puck away from others.

Oh for sure