William Nylander has 92 Million Reasons To Stay in Toronto – What does it all mean?
In a move that has sent shockwaves through the hockey world, the Toronto Maple Leafs have secured the services of talented forward William Nylander for the long term. Nylander, known for his dynamic offensive skills and playmaking abilities, has signed a staggering eight-year contract extension worth a whopping $92 million. This record-breaking deal is set to keep Nylander in the blue and white for the foreseeable future and positions him as a cornerstone of the Maple Leafs’ roster. “I didn’t do this by myself,” said Nylander after Monday’s practice. “Thanks to my teammates and coaching staff, management, everybody that believed in me and especially the City of Toronto too, all the Leafs fans for all the support.”
5th In Scoring
Currently, William Nylander shares the fifth spot among the NHL scoring leaders, accumulating an impressive 54 points (21 goals, 33 assists) in 37 games with the Toronto Maple Leafs this season. The 27-year-old forward commenced the 2023-24 season with a remarkable 27 points (12 goals, 15 assists) in the initial 17 games, setting a new franchise record for the longest point streak to start a season. Nylander extended his excellence with a subsequent 13-game point streak and has maintained at least a point in an outstanding 33 of the 37 games played in the ongoing season. Additionally, his stellar performances earned him the title of an NHL Star of the Week in consecutive weeks in November, being recognized as the second star for the week ending on Nov. 19th and the third star for the week ending on Nov. 12th.
Standing at 6 feet and weighing 202 pounds, Nylander displayed remarkable consistency during the 2022-23 campaign by participating in all 82 regular-season games and 11 playoff games. Notably, he achieved career-highs in goals (40), assists (47), and points (87) during the regular season, showcasing his pivotal role in the Maple Leafs’ offensive prowess.
Nylander’s Career Totals
Throughout his 558 career regular-season NHL games, Nylander has amassed an impressive total of 484 points (198 goals, 286 assists). In the Stanley Cup playoffs, he contributed significantly with 40 points (17 goals, 23 assists) in 50 games. His impact on the franchise is evident as he currently holds the 15th position in goals, 17th in assists, and 14th in points on the team’s all-time list.
International Play
On the international stage, Nylander has proudly represented Sweden in various tournaments. Notably, he played a crucial role in Sweden’s gold medal victory at the 2017 IIHF World Championship, where he notched an impressive 14 points (seven goals, seven assists) in 10 games. His outstanding contributions led to two selections to the World Championship All-Star Team in 2019 and 2017, with the additional honor of being named the 2017 World Championship MVP. Nylander has also showcased his skills in the 2016 and 2015 World Junior Championships, the 2014 and 2013 World U-18 Championships, the 2013 Ivan Hlinka Memorial Tournament, and the 2013 World U-17 Hockey Challenge. With such a remarkable track record, Nylander continues to be a force to be reckoned with both domestically and internationally.
A Landmark Contract
The eight-year, $92 million contract extension is the largest in the history of the Toronto Maple Leafs franchise. This landmark deal reflects the organization’s confidence in Nylander’s ability to contribute significantly to the team’s success and underscores his value as a key player.
Nylander, a first-round pick by the Maple Leafs in the 2014 NHL Draft, has steadily developed into one of the team’s most reliable and dynamic forwards. Known for his excellent puck-handling skills, vision on the ice, and a deadly accurate shot, the 25-year-old Swede has become a fan favorite in Toronto.
The Core Four
The magnitude of this contract extension demonstrates the Maple Leafs’ commitment to building a championship-calibre team around their young core of players, including Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner. Nylander’s presence on the ice has consistently translated into offensive production, making him an essential component of the team’s forward lineup.Tavares, the team’s Captain and Nylander’s centre, pointed out Nylander’s personality gave his teammates license to tease him as the deal was finalized.
“A lot of us have been together here for a while so there’s a strong bond and trust amongst each other and getting to know each other’s personalities, the type of people that we are, so definitely a lot of fun to give it to him a little bit,” said Tavares. “Obviously, it’s a great day for him. A lot of hard work has gone into it to get to this point.”
Sheldon Keefe’s reaction
Maple Leafs head coach Sheldon Keefe has used the word “unflappable” to describe the 27-year-old winger.
“He doesn’t get too concerned with anything that’s going outside of what his responsibilities are on the ice,” said Keefe, who signed a two-year contract extension last summer, keeping him as the team’s head coach until at least 2025. “And that’s what I really like about him. He just goes out and plays. And he wants to continue to get better. He’s been working on his game, working to find his own consistency over the last number of years. He took a huge step last season and hasn’t looked back.
With the significant financial investment in Nylander, the Maple Leafs are sending a clear message that they believe in his ability to help lead the team to postseason success. As the Leafs strive to secure their first Stanley Cup since 1967, locking in key players like Nylander is crucial for building a sustainable and competitive roster.
“You’re going to have a [salary] cap that increases [next season] but we’re also not blind to the fact that there’s other areas of our team as we move forward that you have to have to improve and we’ll continue to do that,” The Leafs General Manager Brad Treliving said. “I don’t have any bold statements or proclamations to make today other than we got a really good player signed. Now we move on to the next piece.”
William Nylander’s reaction
In a press conference following the announcement of the contract extension, Nylander expressed his gratitude for the organization’s trust and confidence in his abilities. He acknowledged the responsibility that comes with such a significant contract and emphasized his dedication to contributing to the team’s success on and off the ice.
The forward also spoke about his deep connection with the city of Toronto and the Maple Leafs’ fan base. Nylander’s commitment to the team extends beyond the financial aspects of the contract, as he aims to become a cornerstone player in the franchise’s ongoing pursuit of a championship. “It’s huge to me, as a player, to feel that they are really investing in the core, betting on us,” Nylander said. “I think that we feel the same way. That’s ultimately why I wanted to stay for eight years. I wanted to give it a run, to try to win the Stanley Cup.”
Growing up Nylander
William Nylander, born on May 1, 1996, in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, grew up in a hockey-centric environment given his family’s deep ties to the sport. His father is Michael Nylander, a former professional hockey player who enjoyed a successful career in the National Hockey League (NHL).
Michael Nylander, born on October 3, 1972, in Stockholm, Sweden, was a skilled forward known for his playmaking abilities and offensive prowess. He played in the NHL for several teams, including the Hartford Whalers, Calgary Flames, Tampa Bay Lightning, Chicago Blackhawks, Washington Capitals, Boston Bruins, and New York Rangers. Michael Nylander’s career spanned from the early 1990s to the late 2000s, and he amassed an impressive number of points during his time in the league.
Growing up in a hockey family, William Nylander was exposed to the game from a young age and quickly developed a passion for it. His father’s experience and guidance likely played a crucial role in shaping William’s understanding of the sport and honing his skills. William’s dual citizenship (Canadian and Swedish) is a result of his father being Swedish, and this background has influenced his international representation in hockey.
Before making his way to the NHL, Nylander spent time developing his game in various leagues, including playing in the Swedish Hockey League (SHL) for teams like MODO Hockey and the American Hockey League (AHL) with the Toronto Marlies, the AHL affiliateof the Toronto Maple Leafs.
Beyond hockey, William Nylander is known for his unique sense of style and has made a name for himself as a fashionable figure off the ice. His distinctive look and charismatic personality have contributed to his popularity both within and outside the hockey community.
92 million reasons to smile
William Nylander’s historic eight-year, $92 million contract extension with the Toronto Maple Leafs marks a pivotal moment in both his career and the franchise’s trajectory. The deal not only solidifies Nylander’s status as a key player for the Leafs but also reflects the team’s dedication to building a competitive roster capable of bringing the Stanley Cup back to Toronto. As the Maple Leafs embark on the journey ahead, the investment in Nylander serves as a testament to the team’s confidence in his ability to contribute to their long-term success.
by Myles Shane
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