The Toronto Maple Leafs are facing a disappointing season. They are currently near the bottom of the Atlantic Division and 12 points behind a wild-card spot, putting them at risk of missing the playoffs for the first time in ten years.
Despite these challenges, NHL analyst Sean McIndoe has examined one of the team’s major investments, arguing that William Nylander’s $92 million contract is not as problematic as it may seem.
William Nylander Proving His $92M Worth
Nylander is in his second season of an eight-year, $92 million contract. The deal has a cap hit of $11.5 million through the 2031-32 season. By the time his contract expires, he will be 36 years old.
So far, he has been performing well offensively.
Nylander has scored 23 goals and recorded 63 points in 52 games this season. This puts him on pace for another 80-plus point season, which would be his fifth in a row. He is also on track for a fourth consecutive season with 40 or more goals.
McIndoe acknowledges Nylander’s production but raises a question: “Those numbers are good, but are they $11.5 million good? Given Nylander’s offense is really all he brings, he’s not physical or especially interested in defense, it’s up for debate.”
McIndoe also points out that Nylander hasn’t traditionally been considered a true franchise cornerstone. He has never finished higher than fifth in postseason All-Star voting and has only received one fifth-place Hart Trophy vote in his career.
When it comes to the playoffs, Nylander has produced at a 71-point pace, which is less than that of Mitch Marner and Auston Matthews, despite the criticism those two often face.
However, there is a strong argument for the contract. “Offense might be all Nylander brings to the table, but it’s a tough skill to find and one worth paying for,” McIndoe added. Since the start of the 2021-22 season, Nylander has accumulated 412 points, which ranks 13th among NHL forwards, placing him alongside top-tier players like Kirill Kaprizov.
There are also intangible factors. Nylander’s “laid-back” demeanor fits well in Toronto’s high-pressure environment, and he committed to a long-term deal while many others opted for shorter contracts.
Verdict: Not a Bad Deal
McIndoe ultimately takes a middle ground: “It’s closer than Nylander fans might like to think. But at the same time, if he became a UFA this summer, it’s fair to assume he gets at least this much, if not more. On a team that suddenly has some cap room to work with, it’s not a bad contract.”
When compared to his peers, Nylander’s contract is similar to players like Mikko Rantanen and Kyle Connor, and is close to names like David Pastrňák and Artemi Panarin. This context makes his cap hit more reasonable than it might first appear.
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For now, the focus turns back to the ice as the Leafs prepare to face the Carolina Hurricanes on Friday.
