Report: Leafs comfortable letting Nylander sit if no deal struck by Dec. 1

The Toronto Maple Leafs reportedly aren't against letting the contract impasse between the organization and unsigned forward William Nylander go beyond the Dec. 1 deadline to sign restricted free agents.

"Even with it so close now, the Toronto Maple Leafs don't feel there has to be a resolution to this by Dec. 1," Sportsnet's Chris Johnston said during Hockey Night in Canada's Headlines segment on Saturday.

"If there isn't a trade that presents itself, and we spoke last week about the fact that they are gauging the market on William Nylander, and William Nylander's demands don't come in to the range they're comfortable paying, they're comfortable letting this player sit."

Nylander has been absent all season, and the two sides have until 5:00 p.m. ET on Dec. 1 to strike a deal. If that doesn't happen, the 22-year-old will be forced to sit out the remainder of the 2018-19 campaign. Last week, it was reported the Maple Leafs are engaging in trade dialogue regarding the dynamic Swede.

Both Nylander and Leafs general manager Kyle Dubas have expressed a desire to find common ground on a long-term deal. But with under two weeks left to reach an agreement, it's unclear how the scenario will play out.

Nylander has recorded back-to-back 61-point seasons.