Did Mike Babcock just take a jab at Willie Nylander over his contract situation?

BarDown Staff

Babcock on Matthews wanting more assists: 'Willy's gotta show up and shoot it under the bar'

With less than three weeks left until NHL action kicks off, it’s become pretty clear that Toronto Maple Leafs head coach Mike Babcock just wants forward William Nylander back in his lineup.

The latter entered the summer as a restricted free agent and his side has remained adamant about having the 22-year-old sign a long-term contract. But with him nowhere to be seen at Leafs’ camp/media day, Babs took the opportunity to crack a small joke at his expense involving the whole contract situation. After being asked about Auston Matthews wanting more assists this season, the head coach simply said his linemate needs to “show up and shoot it under the bar.”

Mike Babcock on Auston Matthews wanting more assists than goals this season: "Well, Willy's got to show up and shoot it under the bar then."

Nylander, of course, is still hashing out his contract negotiation with Toronto.
— Kristen Shilton (@kristen_shilton) September 13, 2018

Ouch!

Babcock is no stranger to these types of situations and though he’s probably a bit irritated at this point, he made it clear that he understands how the business works.

Mike Babcock on William Nylander's absence: "This is a part of our business. He'd like to be here and I'd like him here. In the meantime, we have to find another player...and they'll get a heck of an opportunity. But these things [contracts] always work out."
— Kristen Shilton (@kristen_shilton) September 13, 2018

General Manager Kyle Dubas also touched on the team’s dialogue with the Swede, insisting that there’s not too much to report at this time. Though, he did say he would provide an update when action starts to pick up a bit more.

Kyle Dubas on William Nylander: "No update. We're continuing to have dialogue. When we have an update, you'll receive it and we'll go from there."
— Kristen Shilton (@kristen_shilton) September 13, 2018

After signing John Tavares to a seven-year, $77 million contract, it’s going to take a lot for the Leafs to make this work. With some thinking he’s asking for up to $8 million per season, things could get a bit messy in the coming weeks.

(H/T Kristen Shilton)