NHL Talking Points: Nylander, Rask updates, Senators Twitter drama

This week in NHL Talking Points, we take a look at updates surrounding William Nylander, Tuukka Rask’s leave of absence and Ottawa Senators controversy.

The past week has seen a diverse network of narratives occupy the talk circuit of the hockey world. The William Nylander rumor mill is in full swing, Tuukka Rask was granted a curious leave of absence and controversy continues to envelop the Ottawa Senators.

Let’s take a look at three key stories that have been making headlines across the National Hockey League.

The Leafs have invited teams to prepare offers for Nylander

“We can and we will.”

Those were the words GM Kyle Dubas uttered when asked about the Toronto Maple Leafs’ ability to keep all of Auston Matthews, Mitch Marner and William Nylander together in the wake of signing John Tavares.

Now, just over two weeks away from Dec. 1, Nylander — the first of Dubas’ “big three” tests — remains without a contract. As per insider Pierre LeBrun, both the Maple Leafs and Nylander’s camp are continuing to engage in dialogue and discussion about the prospect of ensuring that the talented winger remains a member of the blue and white. But with the clock winding down to the bitter end (or so we hope) of what has been a storm of frustration, the Maple Leafs are beginning to hear from other organizations about potential offers for Nylander.

As per Elliotte Friedman, the Maple Leafs would ideally like to sign the winger to a deal of sorts. But with the burden of pressure ramped up in light of an extensive stalemate, Dubas has been left to explore other options.

The Carolina Hurricanes, Anaheim Ducks and Los Angeles Kings remain in the heat of discussions surrounding Nylander’s future, with the Ducks’ Brandon Montour rumored to be involved in potential trade speculation. But for now, radio silence continues to envelop the Maple Leafs’ front.

Even Wayne Gretzky has chimed in on the narrative. On the most recent episode of Leafs Lunch, the “Great One” had this to offer:

"First and foremost, he’s got to listen to his mom and dad. That’s who you lean on. Your parents are there for … they have one thought in mind and that’s to take care of their son. So, lean on your parents — and obviously the advice from your advisers, your agent. But, listen, ultimately, at the end of the day, when I was that age, I just wanted to play hockey. Ultimately, I think he has to sit down and say, ‘Look, I’m playing in a great city. I’m playing with a great organization. I’m playing with an original six team. Do I really want to not be there?’ And they got a chance, they have a legitimate chance to win a Stanley Cup. When you have players like Auston Matthews and John Tavares, and the goaltender playing as well as he is, and they got a good coach … I mean, listen, it’s a pretty nice place to play. So, I can’t speak for him because he’s made his decision. But, if I was that young man, I would’ve been there September 15th."

Expect some kind of resolution over the course of the next two weeks.