William Nylander will play his 10th game for the Maple Leafs tomorrow. In the process, the 19-year-old forward will burn the first year of his entry-level contract.
Toronto coach Mike Babcock announced the decision today. Nylander has two goals and 20 shots in nine games since being promoted from the AHL on Feb. 29.
The decision by the Leafs to keep the eighth overall pick in the 2014 draft is not a surprise. Babcock told reporters Tuesday, “To me the idea was to bring him up to keep him up.”
Nylander can still be returned to the Marlies for the AHL playoffs, after the Leafs’ season ends Apr. 9.
“It feels like I’m getting better and batter, being able to play more of my game,” Nylander said yesterday, per the National Post. “I’ve got a lot of experience playing up here, being with Babs and getting a look at the NHL.”
Once he suits up tomorrow against Florida, Nylander will officially need a new contract after 2017-18.