Nylander end run blocked by CBA

What would stop GM Kyle Dubas from making a deal with William Nylander along these lines: Sign him to a one-year deal for, say, $3 million over what they both agree is his worth. The Leafs have loads of cap space this year and they know they will want Willie back for the longer term. Then next year, sign him on the understanding that he already received $3M. It’s a verbal, gentlemen’s agreement, yet it is also two official contracts. Other than Willie reneging, or how this would affect a trade, is there anything stopping Dubas from trying this? — Paul B. Another week, another creative solution. Problem 1: “Over what they both agree is his worth.” They’re obviously having trouble agreeing on what he’s worth, so going $3 million over? Problem 2: The collective bargaining agreement. Nudge-nudge, winkwink side deals are not allowed under the Article 26 — which deals with salary cap circumvention. Problem 3: Reneging, as you point out. Times change. Things change. A good season or a bad season. And in your scenario, Nylander’s contract would be in the neighbourhood of $10 million a year. The Leafs would have to make him an offer in that neighbourhood in June in order to retain his rights. He’d probably take it. Wouldn’t you? Then where would you be? Terry Sawchuk told me goalies should always “point his catcher at the puck” and use Johnny Bower’s “poke-check” more often. I note many times that goals are scored as the goalie waves his catcher at the puck and most often misses while also seeing goal-crease approaches that would be nullified with the use of the big paddle. I guess the same attitude persists with defencemen who wave their stick at the puck while the opposing skater drifts past and manages a shot. Any response to that? — Bernie L. Terry Sawchuk, with all due respect, never faced shots from composite sticks designed to make wrist shots harder and faster than Bobby Hull’s slapshot. So goalies these days have their catching mitt up — taking up as much space as it can. It’s more about blocking the shot than catching the puck. Goalies track the puck with their eyes, staying square to it as much as possible. That said, I love a good ol’ poke check. But with four defenders and three attackers around the crease at any given time, the goalie is probably better off holding his ground rather than try to get his stick through that traffic. Is the Maple Leafs’ defence that bad or is it their system? This flailing of sticks has to stop. When the Leafs play in the offensive end they haven’t got time to change their mind. When are they going to get it? And Jake Gardiner looks like a deer in the headlights. — Gil S. The Leafs allow a lot of shots, but rarely allow a lot of highdanger shots. That’s a stat that matters. As for flailing sticks — that’s the NHL these days. You’ll often hear the term “good stick.” Players are just trying to make passes and shots from the other team that much harder. Is their defence perfect? No. Is there a perfect defence out there? Maybe Team Canada in 2014 Sochi Olympics. Drops off significantly after that.