Major: William Nylander's name has just been linked to the Canadiens, and we know when it might happen

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Elias Edmonson
August 7, 2023 (9:29)

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Since he became the general manager of the Canadiens, Kent Hughes has not yet turned to the free agent market to improve his roster.

With the team's rebuild, there's no point in adding a big name that will demand a large salary over a long period of time, especially since the organization already has some hefty contracts on its hands.

However, as reported by Marco Normandin, from the website Habsolumentfan.com, the situation could change next summer when a very big name might be on the market.

In an article in The Athletic, journalist Arpon Basu suggests that Kent Hughes could be in an excellent position to bring a top-tier free agent to Montreal because, not only will a few big contracts end, but the salary cap should increase considerably.

And the name that the journalist is suggesting is quite a big one, namely, a certain William Nylander. He has just been linked to the Canadiens, and we know when it might happen.

Here are his explanations:

If the Canadiens' leadership decides that it's time to be active in the free agent market, I believe they will target a forward, specifically, a winger capable of playing in the Top-6. They would have the space to aggressively target William Nylander if he hits the market, and all indications are that discussions between Nylander and the Maple Leafs are not going well. He will be 28 at that time and is one of the most consistent players on his team in recent years, even in the playoffs, where he has scored 25 points in his last 25 games, as many as Auston Matthews.

Nylander will cost at least $10 million per year on a long-term contract that will take him into his late thirties. There would definitely be a risk, but players like him rarely hit the free agent market. I'm not ready to predict that the Canadiens will sign him, but if I were in charge, I would do everything in my power to get him under contract.

So, it could happen as early as next summer. Imagine the scenario!

The Leafs' forward will be in his last contract year in 2023-2024, but as we know, the organization will have big decisions to make as Auston Matthews will also be an unrestricted free agent.

According to some sources, Nylander's camp is looking for a long-term contract for a value close to $10 million per season.

Basu does not claim that the Canadiens will definitely sign the Swedish forward, but it remains an interesting case to follow during the next season.