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Former Toronto Maple Leafs general manager Kyle Dubas at a press conference
Photo credit: Sportsnet

William Nylander Roasts Kyle Dubas Following His Contract Extension

Published January 9, 2024 at 11:38
BY SAMER

Monday marked a remarkable day for William Nylander as news broke of him securing the largest contract in Maple Leafs history.

William Nylander Torches Kyle Dubas During Interview



Locked into an eight-year, $92 million deal with an average annual value (AAV) of $11.5 million per season, Nylander joined the Kyper and Bourne show on Sportsnet to discuss his thoughts about being a Maple Leaf for the next eight seasons.

"Without even thinking about it, this is home."


William Nylander speaks on calling the city of Toronto home.


However, subtle undertones in his comments hinted at comparisons with his previous contract negotiations under former general manager Kyle Dubas in 2018.

"I'm glad to it didn't take as long as the last time."


This reference harked back to the challenging summer of 2018 when negotiations with Dubas led to Nylander sitting out a portion of the season while awaiting a new deal.

In 2018, Nylander, along with his agent Lewis Gross and father Michael, eventually reached an agreement with Dubas, securing a team-friendly six-year deal worth $45 million with a cap hit of $6.96 million per season. However, the holdout cost Nylander 26 games that season.


The recent contract negotiations under the leadership of current GM Treliving have showcased a notable shift in approach. Unlike Dubas, Treliving demonstrated a sense of urgency, contrasting with the more measured pace of the previous negotiations. With Dubas gone and Treliving now at the helm, Nylander's tone suggests a positive change in the negotiation dynamics.

Tavares on Nylander living up to the deal and playing in Toronto: «I don't know if I've ever met anyone who has the confidence like him. I mean that in the best way possible.»


As seen on Maple Leafs Daily - "Nylander fires a shot at Kyle Dubas after signing a record-setting contract extension in Toronto"
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January 9   |   351 answers
William Nylander Roasts Kyle Dubas Following His Contract Extension

Do you think Treliving did a better job than Dubas would have with the negotiations?

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