Him sitting out makes no sense to me. None. There's really only one way to solidify a contract like his and that's with comparables. So take a look at his numbers and what do they tell you? Two 60 pt seasons. That's it. So if we take a look at David Pastrnak, who had 70 pts last season and was a 1st overall pick as well. He signs EASILY with the Bruins for $6.7 mil for 5 yrs. No fanfare. No issues. No problems. So why would Nylander's agent be asking for $8-$8.5 year? Is Nylander worth $2,000,000 more than an offensive beast like Pastrnak? ON WHAT BASIS? Is his agent Lewis Gross crazy? I don't think so. How would it go over on your boss if you approached them and asked for a major salary increase for something you might do but have never done? You wouldn't because that would make no sense. You would approach ownership once you achieved those goals and then ask for that increase, correct? This alleged standoff doesn't pass the smell test for me. Everyone just quirps that its just a contract squabble and nothing more. Well now there is talk of the Leafs trading their 1st overall pick for a defenceman. Oh really now. If Nylander re-signs with the Leafs, how much more offence would they generate? an additional 20 goals and 40 assists would have them probably break every nhl record on offense. Not everyone would like to see that. Especially a good friend of mine that runs his league. I will leave it at that. For any naysayers, how does this make any sense to you and explain it to me. PS They wont need a defenceman as they would just crush the other team 8-5. Edmonton Oilers style circa 1985