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The Swedish winger signed the biggest contract in franchise history.
Lucas Carpignano, Sports Editor
William Nylander, the all-star Swedish winger for the Toronto Maple Leafs, signed the biggest contract in Leafs history on January 8. The contract is worth 92 million dollars and will span over eight years, beginning this July. Nylander has been having the best season of his career by far and has been one of the best players in the NHL this year. Let’s break down how he was able to work his way to this contract.
Nylander was drafted eighth overall in 2014 by the Leafs after spending his junior years playing in Sweden. Shortly after he was drafted, he would sign his NHL entry-level contract worth just north of 5 million dollars. He would then spend his time split between playing in Sweden and in the American Hockey League with the Toronto Marlies for the 2014–15 season. The following season, after starting the season with the Marlies, Nylander made his NHL debut on February 29, 2016, against the Tampa Bay Lightning. Shortly after, he would score his first NHL goal on March 5, 2016, against the Ottawa Senators.
In July 2018, Nylander became a restricted free agent. There were major contract disputes with Nylander’s party and the Maple Leafs organizations. Negotiations took months, and finally, minutes before the 5 pm deadline on December 1, 2018, Nylander signed a six-year, 45 million dollar contract. He went on to struggle that season, scoring only seven goals and recording 26 points in 54 games.
Since then, Nylander has consistently put up improving numbers. In the 2021–22 season, he set his own season-high record of 80 points, and in the 2022–23 season he broke his own record again, recording 87 points, and this season he is on pace to record 112 points. In addition to this, he was selected to participate in the NHL All-Star Weekend for the first time in his career, alongside his teammates Auston Matthews, Morgan Rielly, and Mitch Marner.
10 years after he was drafted, William Nylander has continued to impress fans. This significant signing not only rewards Nylander’s skills and loyalty to the Leafs but also shows that the organization is confident in his ability to contribute to their long-term plans. As Nylander looks to be a Leaf for life, fans can eagerly anticipate witnessing his continued growth, leadership, and exceptional performance on the ice.
