In today';s rumor rundown, the Leafs appear to be struggling with what to do
with William Nylander and his next contract, Sam Reinhart and the Buffalo
Sabres may be ways apart on an extension, Dylan Strome is going to get a chance
 to prove himself in Arizona next season and the Flyers are Robert Hagg are
close to an extension.Toronto to Offer Nylander a Bridge Deal?

The Hockey News'; Jared Clinton discussed the difficulties Toronto might have
with William Nylander';s next contract. With the Leafs facing big deals for
Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner, as well as trying to re-sign or replace
defenseman Jake Gardiner, Clinton suggests a short-term bridge deal might be
best for Nylander and the Leafs.William Nylander, Toronto Maple Leafs, Dec. 12,
 2017 (Amy Irvin / The Hockey Writers)

Clinton says Nylander';s past production makes him comparable to players like
Jack Eichel, Leon Draisaitl, and Mikko Rantanen so a bridge deal might be
something most teams would look to avoid - especially if Nylander';s statistics
 improve this season. But, the Leafs might not have many other options. If the
Leafs don';t shed some additional salary, they might be forced to keep salaries
 as low per year as possible.Related: NHL Rumors: Gardiner, Panarin, Eaves,
MoreSam Reinhart Looking For Long-Term Win

The Buffalo News' Mike Harrington recently speculated Reinhart and his agent
could seek something along the lines of a six-year deal somewhere in the
ballpark of Elias Lindholm';s salary of $4.85 million annually. That said, a
long-term deal might not be easy to negotiate.

While he scored 20 goals and 39 points in his final 44 games, Reinhart
struggled early last season. He was potentially a trade piece at the start of
last season but with Ryan O';Reilly now gone, Reinhart could be looked to as
someone to carry a heavier load behind Jack Eichel.Sam Reinhart, Buffalo
Sabres, Dec. 14, 2017 (Amy Irvin / The Hockey Writers)

There is speculation the Sabres might prefer a bridge deal to see if Reinhart
can live up to the weight of a long-term and more lucrative deal. If he does,
the Sabres have plenty of cap room to give him the money he';s
earned.Related: NHL Rumors: Larkin, Pacioretty, Zucker, MoreCoyotes to Stay
Patient With Dylan Strome

Despite being drafted in 2015, Dylan Strome has only appeared in 28 NHL games.
A star in Eerie playing on the same team as Connor McDavid, Strome was expected
 to be a great pickup for the Coyotes who have yet to be rewarded for their
decision to draft him third overall.

In a recent article on TSN, Strome said, "I';m still trying to prove that I
belong and that Arizona made the right pick. Hopefully in five, 10 years down
the road people will look back and say they did make the right pick. Time will
tell."Dylan Strome at the 2015 NHL Draft. Photo: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY
Sports

With 53 points in 50 games, Strome has shown well in the AHL. In his 21 NHL
games, he';s not produced at the same level as other lottery picks. Still, the
Coyotes intend to be patient. Coyotes general manager John Chayka explained,
"Look, if he was a second-round pick and he comes in and lights up the American
 League, I think everyone would be saying this guy is untouchable." The Coyotes
 suggest perhaps it';s not fair to view him as a failure because he was drafted
 so early. Chayka said, "I view him as a really good player."

Strome says his goal is to play 82 games for the Coyotes in 2018-19 and show
the team he belongs and head coach Rick Tocchet said earlier this month that
Arizona might move Strome from center to the wing to help with the transition.
Strome may get time at both positions next season and he feels he can play
center.Related: NHL Rumors: Trouba, Zetterberg, Cammalleri, MoreFlyers Still
Working on Hagg Deal

Contract talks with restricted free agent defenseman Robert Hagg are
progressing, GM Ron Hextall told reporters, the team is targeting a two-year
bridge contract for the Swedish blueliner. Hagg completed his first full season
 at the NHL level in 2017-18, was a strong physical presence on their back end,
 and recorded 238 hits. He logged more than 18 minutes a night in the regular
season.

The post NHL Rumors: Nylander, Strome, Reinhart, More appeared first on The
Hockey Writers.

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