The Maple Leafs added another potent weapon to their roster on Saturday when winger William Nylander and the club agreed on a six-year, $45-million contract extension. The signing came mere minutes before the NHL’s deadline for players to sign a contract to be eligible to play this season, but according to Leafs GM Kyle Dubas, there was never any doubt Nylander wanted to remain with the organization, and the organization wanted him to stick around.
“We’ve obviously been having a lot of communication with (Nylander’s) camp – with William and (agent) Lewis Gross – and we had a number of discussions all day,” Dubas told Hockey Night In Canada shortly after the new contract was announced. “We quickly got everything signed and into the league, so literally right down to the wire.”
The @MapleLeafs have agreed to terms on a six-year contract extension with forward William Nylander, subject to League approval. #LeafsForever
— Leafs PR (@LeafsPR) December 1, 2018
The extension has a current season average annual value (AAV) of $10.2M and an out-year (years 2-6) AAV of $6.9M. #LeafsForever
— Leafs PR (@LeafsPR) December 1, 2018
6 x $6.9M for Nylander
— Bob McKenzie (@TSNBobMcKenzie) December 1, 2018
Nylander deal carries $10.2 million cap hit this season because of how late it was signed. Back down to $6.9 million for years 2-6.
— Frank Seravalli (@frank_seravalli) December 1, 2018
Nylander contract includes just under $25 million in signing bonus money
— Pierre LeBrun (@PierreVLeBrun) December 1, 2018
First year salary is pro rated $10M salary (6.77 M) plus a full $2M signing bonus. Net number of $8.77M. AAV of $10.2M.
In out years, the AAV is $6.996M.
In year two, base salary is $700K, SB of $8.3M.
In remaining years, $2.5M in base salary plus $3.5M SB.
— Bob McKenzie (@TSNBobMcKenzie) December 1, 2018
Prior to signing Nylander today, the #Leafs were projected to have the 3rd lowest cap hit this season at $67M
Now with him signed, and having a 10.2M cap hit for this season, they in the middle of the pack at 12th lowest and a projected cap hit of $74M (10.2 pro-rates to $6.96M)
— CapFriendly (@CapFriendly) December 1, 2018
We've now confirmed that the year 1 AAV & 2+ AAV are as follows:
2018-19: $10,277,778
2019-24: $6,962,366While the contract was registered today before 5:00pm ET, it will only go into effect as of tomorrow, resulting in the days remaining portion of the equation reduced to 126 pic.twitter.com/Pchqkm4Pbc
— CapFriendly (@CapFriendly) December 2, 2018
With William Nylander's AAV set at $6,962,366 for the outer years, and based on the current list of players on the clubs active roster, we now show the #Leafs with $56,275,699 in total cap hit dollars committed to 12 players (7F/4D/1G)https://t.co/BPt2vFET34 pic.twitter.com/Ykl9E20XDc
— CapFriendly (@CapFriendly) December 2, 2018