TSN: Chris Johnston when requested in regards to the Toronto Maple Leafs beginning William Nylander at heart for the beginning of coaching camp and why Nylander’s contract scenario isn’t feeling like a distraction at the beginning of camp.
** NHLRumors.com transcription
Mark Masters: “Chris, William Nylander doesn’t have a brand new contract however he does have a brand new place. He’ll begin coaching camp heart. Why are the Leafs doing this?”
Johnston: “It’s all about depth. I believe that when you take a look at the roster at this cut-off date, possibly slightly mild down the center. And, you recognize, John Tavares is getting slightly up there and age and Leafs have the primary items nonetheless in place. The identical chess items on the board at ahead however issues change over time.
And I believe it’s form of an intriguing time for them to do that given, a) William Nylander wants a brand new contract. I believe it’s a chance for him to show possibly a level of worth if he can final as a middle.
However b) it sounds prefer it got here from Brad Treliving, the brand new normal supervisor of the Leafs steered this trigger it appears prior to now Sheldon Keefe would attempt it every so often, possibly pressured into it by accidents however was by no means that married to the thought of Nylander as a middle.
However this time round it sounds prefer it’s going to get a long term. I’m listening to that he’s gonna begin with Calle Jarnkrok on one wing, Max Domi. So that appears to me, possibly it’s like a second-line sort scenario.
And look, it’s an extended season, it’s an extended coaching camp. We’ll see the place issues find yourself however not less than to start, the truth that if Nylander goes to heart, I believe if it really works, actually modifications the dynamic of the Leafs ahead group.”
Mark Masters: “So Nylander beginning his contract yr and oftentimes when a star participant enters his contract yr you are concerned about it turning into a distraction, nevertheless it didn’t actually really feel like a distraction, not less than for day one.”
Johnston: “Nearly a non-story. Type of unusual I’d say for a way this stuff go. I keep in mind a pair years in the past Morgan Rielly got here to camp with out a contract, related scenario. Felt like an even bigger deal, much more type of pointed questions on that. Even final yr with Auston Matthews who was two years out from when he may have an extension, you recognize, begin and happen. There was much more type of concentrate on that.
However it didn’t find yourself being the best way it went right here on the opening day. There’s nonetheless an opportunity. William Nylander didn’t communicate to reporters but. He’ll in all probability do this on Thursday.
So, this isn’t a storiline that’s disappearing fully. I believe a part of that is in all probability pushed by the truth that, you recognize, from my understanding there may be actually has not been a complete lot of contract speak, going actually again to the beginning of the summer time. And as a outcomes of that I believe each side are form of comfy with the place they’re at.
The Leafs in fact would like to have Nylander signed as quickly as they will. Brad Treliving once more calling it a precedence to get him signed. However now there’s a while, possibly face-to-face conferences.
Treliving was fairly, I’d say complementary of Nylander, saying he’s actually come to understand how onerous he works, how a lot he cares. Sure issues he possibly didn’t have the impression of when he was on the surface however now they’re contained in the partitions once more collectively and I believe each side are comfy with letting this one breathe slightly bit and it’s in all probability going to take a while.”
