Treliving comments on status of Nylander and Matthews extensions
There has been no shortage of speculation and rumours surrounding the extensions of Auston Matthews and William Nylander since the Leafs' season came to an unfortunate end in mid-May. The consensus has been that Matthews will re-sign on a shorter term deal while many believed Nylander's extension would be more difficult to figure out - if there was even a possibility of getting one done.
Today, Leafs GM Brad Treliving spoke with the media in Nashville and provided a very positive and calming update to Leaf fans about the status of both of their contract extensions.
"I'm confident we're going to get both players signed until proven otherwise," said Treliving when speaking to the media in Nashville.
That is music to the ears of Leafs Nation and it would seem that while it has been fairly quiet on the Leafs' front that things are moving in a positive direction behind closed doors.
Matthews' extension has been a no-brainer in the sense that he will be the highest paid player in the NHL. His AAV should come in around $13M per season, or in that neighborhood. Nylander's has been more of a question mark with reports saying that the Leafs want to sign him for under $9M per season and Nylander wanting as much as $10M, perhaps even more. How quick each gets done though is still up in the air and neither will likely be done by Saturday.
One interesting point was the wording of his comment, where Treliving said "until proven otherwise". He knows and understands, from his time in Calgary with the Johnny Gaudreau situation, that nothing is ever a sure thing. He also shared some insight as to what he learned during the Gaudreau negotiations.
With the draft taking place tomorrow and Thursday and free agency kicking off on Saturday, we may very well have an eventful week in Leafs Nation.
