Nylander, Maple Leafs cut it close

TORONTO - William Nylander’s contract impasse has finally come to an end.

The restricted free agent signed a six-year extension with the Toronto Maple Leafs on Saturday, just before the deadline of 5 p.m. ET. The agreement carries an average annual value of US$10.2 million this season and $6.9 million from years two through six. Nylander, who was selected eighth overall by the Leafs in the 2014 draft, had to sign a contract by Saturday’s deadline in order to be eligible to play in the NHL this season.

“I’m happy for our team. I’m happy for William,” Leafs general manager Kyle Dubas said. “I wish that we were able to get this done before training camp and he was able to be a part of this.

“I think the team’s record right now is a testament to the coaching staff and to the players on the group, especially that they haven’t really allowed this to become a distraction ... They’ve had a great start to the season and I’ve learned a lot about the coaches and the players and their ability to (stay focused). I’m very thankful for them that they were able to perform the way they had. I’m excited now to add William to the group. He’s going to make us better.”

Nylander and the club had been at odds on the terms of a new agreement after his entry-level contract expired July 1, with negotiations stretching through the summer, into training camp and ultimately forcing the 22-yearold winger to miss 26 games this season.

There were reports Nylander, who remained in Europe during talks between his representatives a his Leafs’ hockey bag about 30 minutes after the contract was announced.

“Going home,” Nylander posted to Twitter along with a picture of his Leafs’ hockey bag about 30 minutes after the contract was announced.