The Maple Leafs and William Nylander agreed to terms on a six-year contract extension just before Saturday’s deadline, subject to league approval. The extension has an average annual value of $10.2 million this season (all dollars U.S.) and $6.9 million in the years that follow.The Maple Leafs drafted Nylander eighth overall in 2014, the year their teardown began. After an impressive two-season apprenticeship with the Toronto Marlies, Nylander joined the Maple Leafs full time in 2016-17 season, installed immediately on Auston Matthews’ right wing.He scored 61 points both seasons, proving to be an adept scorer and a talented passer.With Nylander, Matthews (the top pick in the 2016 draft) and Mitch Marner (the fourth selection in 2015), the Maple Leafs assembled their strongest core of young forwards in at least 30 years.The question was always whether the team could keep the three game-changing forwards together in a salary-cap era. Of the three, Nylander’s contract expired first. Young players coming out of item-level deals do not have a great deal of leverage to gain favourable contracts. Nylander used what little he had — withholding his services — to force the deal.While the Leafs have plenty of salary-cap space this season, it’s next season when things will get difficult. Matthews, Marner and Kasperi Kapanen — who has been terrific in Nylander’s absence — all see their item-level contracts expire July 1. Any or all of them could also withhold services if they don’t like the Leafs’ offer.In addition, defenceman Jake Gardiner will be an unrestricted free agent this off-season.More to come …Kevin McGran is a sports reporter based in Toronto. Follow him on Twitter: @kevin_mcgran
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