The Toronto Maple Leafs are enjoying a fine season so far with not much to complain about. Not much, except for one gruelingly drawn out, much talked about issue: Williams Nylander.
The young winger is holding out on the Leafs in hopes of making the money he feels like he deserves. As with lots of holdouts, the fans are split between those trying to understand that the Leafs may not have the finances to offer Nylander a fair contract, and those that believe Nylander should suck it up and find a way to play.
There’s been one other issue that has clouded an otherwise terrific season: the injury to star centre Auston Matthews.
Matthews has been out since receiving a hit from Jacob Trouba back on October 27. The former 1st overall pick has dealt with injury trouble in the past, and anytime he goes down Leafs Nation clenches their teeth a little more.
Mike Babcock gave a reassuring “assumption” following the Leafs big shutout victory over the Philadelphia Flyers on Saturday, though. Babs explained that he’s assuming both issues will be resolved as early as next week, and the Leafs can go back to focusing on winning games.
While that certainly isn’t anything definite, it’s music to Leafs fan’s ears as there isn’t really many people closer to either situation than the Buds’ bench boss.
There is still the question of how Nylander will be received if in fact this assumption does come to fruition….
(H/T Mark Masters)
