I Remain With Maple Leafs and Have No Departure Plans: William Nylander Reaffirms Loyalty and Unveils Interest in Long-Term Deal With Toronto….
By The Canadian Ice Journal – June 19, 2025
In an NHL era where trade rumors swirl endlessly and star players frequently test the waters of free agency, Toronto Maple Leafs forward William Nylander has delivered a breath of fresh air—and perhaps even a sigh of relief for Leafs Nation.
In a highly anticipated and widely viewed press conference this afternoon held at Scotiabank Arena, the Swedish star made his intentions unmistakably clear:
“I’m staying. Toronto is home. I love this team, this city, and our fans. I have no plans to leave and would love to commit here long-term.”
Those few sentences, delivered with calm conviction and a beaming smile, sent social media into a frenzy and put to bed months of speculation surrounding Nylander’s future with the organization. The 29-year-old winger, who is entering the final year of his current contract extension, affirmed that negotiations for a new long-term deal are already underway and progressing with optimism.
A Bond That Runs Deep
Since being drafted 8th overall in the 2014 NHL Entry Draft, Nylander has developed into one of the most dynamic, creative, and consistent forwards in the league. A cornerstone of the Leafs’ talented core, Nylander has formed a potent offensive arsenal alongside Auston Matthews, Mitch Marner, and John Tavares.
His elite skating, laser-precise shot, and vision have dazzled fans and frustrated opponents. But beyond the numbers, it’s his loyalty to the blue and white that has endeared him to Toronto’s passionate fanbase.
In the 2024–25 season, Nylander continued his ascent with 91 points (38 goals, 53 assists) in 82 games, showcasing not just his offensive flair but a growing commitment to defense and leadership. He played a critical role in Toronto’s push to the playoffs, logging key minutes on both the power play and penalty kill.
Shutting Down the Rumors
Nylander’s contract status had become a hot topic across NHL circles, with sports media speculating on possible trade scenarios or potential interest from teams like the Los Angeles Kings and Seattle Kraken. The lack of public updates from his camp had only intensified the uncertainty.
But today, the air was cleared.
“I know people were talking about trades and rumors, but I tried not to let it affect me. The truth is, I’ve always wanted to stay here. My heart is in Toronto.”
When asked if he had ever seriously considered leaving, Nylander shook his head emphatically.
“No, never. I’ve built my life here. My teammates are like family. This organization took a chance on me when I was a teenager, and I want to give back everything I can to help us win.”
Leafs Management Reacts
Maple Leafs general manager Brad Treliving was present at the press conference and confirmed that negotiations have begun for a new contract, likely to span six to eight years. While no dollar figures were revealed, insiders believe the deal could fall in the range of $9 to $10 million annually, reflecting both Nylander’s elite production and the Leafs’ salary cap landscape.
“William is a foundational piece of this team,” Treliving said. “He’s in the prime of his career, and he’s shown time and again that he can produce at the highest level. We’re thrilled he wants to stay, and we’ll do everything in our power to make that happen.”
A Message to the Fans
Nylander made a special point of addressing the fans of Toronto directly during the press conference:
“To Leafs Nation, I can’t thank you enough for the support over the years. Even through the tough stretches and playoff heartbreaks, you’ve stood behind us. I want to win here—for you, for this city, and for the generations of Leafs fans who dream of lifting that Cup.”
The crowd at the arena responded with applause, and within minutes, #NylanderStays was trending across social platforms in Canada and the U.S.
Leadership Beyond Points
While Nylander has often been seen as the quietest member of the Leafs’ core four, this season saw him take major strides as a leader. He wore the alternate captain’s “A” for several games in 2025 and led team skates during off days, helping mentor younger players like Matthew Knies and Nick Robertson.
Head coach Sheldon Keefe praised Nylander’s evolution both on and off the ice:
“He’s grown tremendously. He’s not just a top-six forward anymore—he’s a leader in the room. When he speaks, guys listen. The fire to win burns in him, and that’s the kind of energy we want leading this team forward.”
Looking Ahead: The Maple Leafs’ Future
Nylander’s commitment solidifies a significant piece of the Maple Leafs’ long-term vision. With Matthews already locked into a deal until 2030, and Marner’s future still being negotiated, the focus is clearly on keeping Toronto’s superstar core intact.
Should Nylander finalize his extension this offseason, the Leafs will retain arguably the most dangerous offensive unit in the league. With additional reinforcements expected on defense and between the pipes, the belief is strong that Toronto’s window for a championship remains wide open.
A Career to Remember—And Still Climbing
As of June 2025, William Nylander boasts:
- 728 NHL games played
- 248 goals
- 354 assists
- 602 career points
- Over 50 playoff games
- Multiple 30+ goal seasons
- Countless highlight-reel moments that have brought Leafs fans to their feet
And yet, as he made clear today—he’s far from finished.
“I still feel like I haven’t played my best hockey yet. I’m hungrier than ever to get better, to push harder, and to bring a championship to Toronto. That’s my dream, and I want to do it here.”
Final Word: A Reassuring Promise
In a league often defined by transience, William Nylander’s words feel like a promise—a rare, refreshing moment of stability and commitment.
“I’m not going anywhere,” he said one last time. “This is where I belong.”
Leafs Nation couldn’t have asked for a better message heading into what promises to be a transformative offseason.
#NylanderForever #LeafsNation #MapleLeafs #WillPower #NHLNews #LeafsLoyalty
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