MILLARD: Every Nylander Outcome And Scenario From A- Z

Nov 5, 2018
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A –  Alas we are at the stage that actual news in the William Nylander negotiations is giving way to becoming creative in how I report the proceedings.  If you have toddlers, enjoy practicing your a,b,c,’s with them as you read about hockey.

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B –  Before we too far into the blog, this will deal with all potential outcomes For this year.   I will not delve into the salary cap because of the concern at that level revolves around the years ahead.

C – Columbus has a couple of complex contract situations.  Artemi Panarin/Sergei Bobrovsky are both unrestricted free agents.   Would Toronto be interested in renting Panerin for a Stanley Cup run in exchange for Nylander?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yKcGj_DfYvI

D – Dubas may have backed his way into a corner with the offseason
A statement that he would get everyone signed.   Some believe that comment gave the Nylander the green light to ask for more.  I don’t agree with that, but the quote will undoubtedly serve as a lesson to the rookie General Manager.

E –  Expectations.  That is what all sides are dealing with.  Nylander has expectations to be paid what he is worth and will be worth on a long-term deal.  The team expects to be able to keep the core of the club together for a multi-year run at a Stanley Cup. Fans expect to win one of these years and see this as their chance with Nylander.

F –  Fear of losing an asset for an entire year.    What happens if Nylander calls the bluff and on November 28th the contract talks are stagnant? Toronto would have to make a trade to take advantage of a valuable commodity.  To have Nylander sit out doesn’t do either side any good.   Please don’t argue with me on this.  No, but, but, but.

G – The gluteus maximus (also known collectively with the gluteus medius and minimus, as the gluteal muscles, and sometimes referred to informally as the “glutes”) is the main extensor muscle of the hip.   This is also referred to as the butt, rump, or behind.   I mention this because, depending on your dominant hand, it is the area where a male holds his wallet and money is the entire issue at hand.   By the way, which back pocket do you put your wallet?

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H – Hurricanes are a franchise that has been mentioned from the outset. Carolina used to have one of the best young defensive groups in the NHL.   They have assets that would improve the Leafs blueline while at the same time adding to it’s expanding the roster of talented forwards.

I – It has appeared both sides at different times have had an advantage in the negotiations.  The Nylander camp looked stronger when Matthews was injured.  The Maple Leafs gained an edge with the strong offensive start to the season. In the end, any potential emotional impact has been ignored.

J – Just because we have a lull in the proceedings, let me ask you a question.   Would you prefer signing William Nylander and having the talented forward suit up as a Maple Leaf this season?  Or, trade the winger for a player that would bolster an often criticized blueline?  One or the other.   Please comment below or reach out on twitter @darenmillard

K – Kyle Dubas has appeared to be calm during this process.   Although we have not heard a lot from the General Manager, his body language makes it appear the freshman is handling things ok.   That is a good sign for the future.

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L – Los Angeles Kings could use Nylander’s speed, skill, and youth & there have been conversations between the two teams.  LAK initiating the contact.

M – Maple Leafs remain in control.

N -Nylander’s family has been mentioned in different cycles of the negotiation. Dad played in the NHL and wasn’t the most natural contract to negotiate.   I have no doubt there is influence from Michael.  I would be disappointed if there wasn’t.    Anyone who thinks the veteran of 902 NHL games should stay out of it is being unrealistic.  Most parents I know would insist on being involved,  including me.

O – Offense.  William Nylander can create it.  The right winger can score on his own from a distance, and the blossoming offensive talent has proven to have good chemistry with (arguably) the franchises best player at the moment.  In the spirit of Rick Vaive, I love watching players be able to generate goals coming down the wings.  Nylander’s shot makes him one of the best in the world at this.

P – Popular opinion continues to suggest the Maple Leafs defence requires a significant upgrade to make a deep playoff run happen.  Hard to believe both can happen without sacrificing talent up front. So doesn’t it makes sense to trade the player who you are having
such a difficult time signing?

Q – Quiet is the best way to describe the principles of this affair. William Nylander has not been quoted since the first week of the season while Kyle Dubas has done more to create a conversation with his scouting trips than his rare appearances in front of a microphone.

R – Rookie GM Kyle Dubas hasn’t dipped a toe in the water.   His age automatically creates skepticism which is why it is so crucial to emerge as the winner in the negotiations with Nylander.   This deal sets the tone in so many ways for his tenure running the Maple Leafs.

S – South Florida playoff hopes took another early season knock in October. The Panthers Dale Tallon is not afraid to make bold moves so I wouldn’t be surprised if he was watching the Nylander negotiations very closely and made sure Kyle Dubas is aware of his interest.

T – Trading Nylander becomes more of a possibility the closer the standoff gets to December 1st.

U – Unless I have talked to the wrong people the consensus opinion around the NHL is that Toronto continues to work down a path aimed at signing William Nylander to keep William Nylander.   Sure teams have called and Toronto has heard them out, but that doesn’t mean the Maple Leafs are shopping the player.

V – Vegas has odds for everything.    I looked for the line on if Nylander. will sign with Toronto.  Be traded, or sit-out the season.

W – Window to win.  It isn’t as big as you would think.  Make sure you give the team the best chance to succeed.

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X – Xerox this experience.   Paying more attention to what is happening right now with William Nylander will undoubtedly help you be prepared for next summer.   Mitch Marner and Auston Matthews require new contracts and the strategy Kyle Dubas should employ is open for debate.    Should the GM get Matthews done first and dig in with Marner or go the opposite direction and tell Matthews camp there isn’t enough money left for the superstar’s demands.  There is always a chance I could be wrong, but I don’t see getting both players done at the same time.

Y – Yacht or not?   Considering we are discussing a contract that in the high zone could run eight years at 8 million dollars I took the liberty of looking into what kind of yacht William Nylander could dock.   This is a somewhat average boat on a website selling super yacht’s.  It’s only a few years old and has already been upgraded.   At $14 million the money works. Although it would also mean putting half of the after-tax dollars into a boat that could sink to the bottom of the ocean.   Point being, as much money as we are discussing here, Nylander is still going to be a long way from sailing in the company of thoughts with big fancy yachts. Ps, I thought the title of this vessel was appropriate.

Z – Zombie.  Yup, that’s the best way to describe how I feel after this exercise.    If this standoff lasts two more weeks, I am going directly to making balloon animals to voice my opinion on the situation.    Have a good day.    Oh, and if it gets to that stage, does anyone have a particular favorite among the species of the balloon made creatures?

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Dean Blundell

Dean Blundell is a Canadian radio personality. Best known as a longtime morning host on CFNY-FM (The Edge) in Toronto, Ontario. In 2015 he was named the new morning host on sports radio station CJCL (Sportsnet 590 The Fan). Dean started his career in radio in 2001 and for nearly 20 years been entertaining the radio audience. Dean’s newest venture is the launch of his site and podcast which is gaining tremendous momentum across North America.

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