Maple Leafs Must Resolve William Nylander's Contract Before Season Amid NHL Rumors

Compounding the salary cap issues facing the Toronto Maple Leafs, and their ongoing negotiations with Auston Matthews for a new deal is the lack of an extension for William Nylander.

TSN's Bryan Hayes reported that the Leafs appear content to "play chicken" with Nylander and his people, willing to let things go into the season, knowing full well that he can walk next offseason and the team would receive nothing in return.

It is a risky power play for the Leafs and one that may backfire.

The Leafs are in the middle of a Stanley Cup push and the window to win their first since 1967 is open. That is why they went out this offseason and signed Ryan Reaves, Max Domi, and Tyler Bertuzzi to…