Nylander wants long-term contract from Maple Leafs

William Nylander said he believes getting a new contract from the Toronto Maple Leafs will not happen soon, but the restricted free agent forward said he is not concerned.

"That's between my agent and [general manager Kyle Dubas]," Nylander told TSN on Tuesday. "They're talking about it, so I'm not really into that right now. Once it gets closer to the season, I think I'll be more dialed [in]. I mean, Kyle says it's going to take some time, so I'm not too stressed about it."
The 22-year-old had 61 points (20 goals, 41 assists) playing the final season of a three-year, entry-level contract he signed Aug. 18, 2014, after he was the No. 8 pick in the 2014 NHL Draft.
He can sign a contract of up to eight years, or he could sign a shorter-term deal that would keep him a restricted free agent after it expires.
"Of course I'd want long term, that's what I'd want to do," Nylander said Wednesday. "But we'll take it slow, day by day, and see what happens."
Nylander said he did not anticipate the contract being a problem entering training camp in September.
The Maple Leafs this offseason signed free agent center John Tavares to a seven-year contract worth $11 million per season and are negotiating a contract extension with center Auston Matthews, a frequent linemate of Nylander.

"I think me and Auston have had great chemistry," Nylander said. "I was able to get out there on last Wednesday with [John] and you saw how amazing he was. So that would also be special to maybe get to play with him too for a little bit."
Forward Mitchell Marner also is eligible for a contract extension before he would become a restricted free agent after this season.
Matthews said July 26 he was not tuned into his talks and that he expected them to take awhile.
"They preach patience," Matthews said Thursday, referring to his agent and Dubas. "Both of them do. … When it gets done, it gets done. But I don't think anyone is in too much of a rush."