William Nylander is still without an NHL contract, but Toronto Maple Leafs GM Kyle Dubas is reportedly trying to conclude this issue on international grounds.
A source told the Toronto Sun that Dubas is in Switzerland on Wednesday to meet with Nylander and his representatives. The Dec. 1 deadline is looming to sign the restricted free agent.
Switzerland is a neutral location for the two groups to meet, as Nylander has been training in Sweden.
Good work @sunhornby. Source confirms Dubas is meeting with Nylander in Europe. https://t.co/jGcSZAoI2a
— Darren Dreger (@DarrenDreger) October 17, 2018
The Toronto Sun’s source didn’t indicate if the meeting taking place is to sign Nylander or to reassure him that the Leafs still have a roster spot for him, despite their terrific start to the season.
Apparently, Nylander’s camp doesn’t like the perception they are getting about him asking for too much money and that the Leafs can move on without him.
Club President Brendan Shanahan also suggested that Nylander take a discount so the Maple Leafs could fit Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner into a Stanley Cup-contending window.
Matthews and Marner become restricted free agents next season, with Patrick Marleau becoming a Free-Agent the following year.
Jake Gardiner is also set to become an unrestricted free agent next season.
Dreger: Dubas meeting with Nylander face-to-face is a significant gesture https://t.co/bLHQ2Oz4oe
— Leafs Lunch (@LeafsLunch1050) October 17, 2018
https://twitter.com/madisonlessard/status/1052593562641227776
