He let his play do the talking,” the defenceman and alternate captain said Monday. “I don’t think (the question of his forthcoming millions) ever changed who he was off the ice, the teammate in the room he his, or his attitude.

“He trained hard in the summer and has played outstanding for us.”

Nylander, matched mostly with centre John Tavares and as always, a key part of the power play, ranks first in team points (54) and in overall consistency.

Of the Core Four Leaf forwards, Nylander has been around longest and a Marlie before that.

“He believes in what’s going on here and continues to see things through,” said captain Tavares. “His evolution has been tremendous.

Nylander and the Leafs get back in action Tuesday, though the schedule isn’t yet half completed and the playoff bogeyman will still be there in April.

“I think he’ll handle it just fine,” Tavares declared of added pressure for Nylander. “He has continued belief in himself to be a great player, a difference maker.

“I don’t think I’ve met anyone that quite has the confidence like him. Sometimes a lot of guys aren’t having their best night or fighting the puck; I think every time he goes out there he truly believes the next play he makes is going to be a great one and wants the puck on his stick.

In a historic move that will have some fans elated and others concerned, William Nylander has officially inked an eight-year, $92 million deal with the Toronto Maple Leafs. The deal solidifies his status as a cornerstone player for the Leafs franchise. It also creates a situation where the club will have to make some tough decisions this summer.

The contract boasts an average annual value (AAV) of $11.5 million, making it the largest in Maple Leafs history by total value.

A significant component of the deal includes an eye-catching $69 million in signing bonus money, accounting for the majority of the overall bonus package. It also includes a full no-movement clause (NMC) and a no-trade clause (NTC) for the entire eight-year duration. Unless he wants to, he’s not going anywhere.

Currently tied for fifth among NHL scoring leaders, Nylander has been a force on the ice, amassing 54 points (21 goals, 33 assists) in just 37 games this season. The 27-year-old waited to sign his extension until after the season started and that move has paid off. The forward explosive’s start to the 2023-24 season made signing him at a deal nearly impossible. Setting a franchise record for the longest point streak to kick off a campaign with 27 points (12 goals, 15 assists) in the first 17 games meant he was going to get paid.

In 2022-23, he notched career-highs in goals (40), assists (47), and points (87) over 82 regular-season games and 11 playoff appearances. Throughout his 558-game NHL career, Nylander has consistently contributed, tallying 484 points (198 goals, 286 assists) in the regular season and an additional 40 points (17 goals, 23 assists) in 50 Stanley Cup playoff games. That’s only the tip of what he’ll be expected to do now.

The pressure in Toronto will be immense and it will be key that he keep up his production levels to avoid the fans turning. Considering the dominos that will fall as a result of this contract — not just in Toronto but around the league — Nylander has set a new benchmark. Players like Sam Reinhart, Jake Guentzel, and Steven Stamkos now find themselves among the notable names likely to influence the evolving landscape of NHL contracts.