William Nylander says he's got "to take care of myself" in contract negotiations

Apr 23, 2018; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs forward William Nylander (29) battles for position with Boston Bruins forward Patrice Bergeron (37) during game six of the first round of the 2018 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Air Canada Centre. Toronto defeated Boston.Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports

By Liam McGuire on October 4, 2018October 4, 2018

The Toronto Maple Leafs opened the 2018-19 season with a 3-2 overtime victory over the Montreal Canadiens. One player notably absent was up-and-coming star winger William Nylander as the 22-year-old missed the game due to ongoing contract negotiations.

Nylander spoke with the Swedish newspaper Aftonbladet, where he admitted he is more worried about the long-term than the short-term.

“Right now, I do not know more than all the rest of you,” Nylander told Aftonbladet. “I have not received any messages and have no contact with Toronto. It’s my agent who takes care of everything.”

“In the end I have to take care of myself and do what I and my agent thinks is right. Especially if it’s about several years to come. I need to think long term. It’s my own future it’s about.”

It’s hard to blame Nylander for taking a hard stance in contract negotiations, even if it sucks in the present for Leafs fans. Nylander wants – and deserves – a long-term deal with Toronto and is sitting until his financial future with the team is determined. He’s got every right to do so, even if it cost him $$$ now.

The good news for Leafs fans is Nylander reiterated he wants to be in Toronto for the long haul. But, until a deal is struck, he won’t be on the ice for the time being.

[Sportsnet]

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