William Nylander and the Maple Leafs finally brought #NylanderWatch to an end Saturday, agreeing to a new six-year contract that will keep the 22-year-old winger in Toronto for the foreseeable future.
The contract saga had been one of the top storylines of the first quarter of the NHL season as Nylander held out for the Leafs' first 26 games and threatened to become the first player to sit out a whole season due to unresolved contract issues since Michael Peca in the 2000-01 season.
But at 4:55 p.m. ET — 5 minutes before the deadline — the sides ended the stalemate and what was an eventful hours on Twitter filled with rumors, GIFs and even assurances from Maple Leafs general manager Kyle Dubas himself.
Here's how hockey experts, fans and even celebrities reacted on social media before and after the deal was announced.
SN EXCLUSIVE: Michael Peca offers thoughts on Nylander-Leafs decision
Actor Will Arnett, a noted Maple Leafs fan, began the day by wishing his followers a "Happy William Nylander Day."
From our family to yours, wishing you a Happy William Nylander Day
— Will Arnett™ (@arnettwill) December 1, 2018
Later on in the morning, TSN's Bob McKenzie ruled out that Nylander would be traded.
Not to over simplify things but it’s pretty elementary: TOR will make its final, best offer to William Nylander today. He’ll either accept it or not. It’s highly highly highly unlikely, tho technically still possible, he’ll be traded. Sign or sit for the year seems to sum it up.
— Bob McKenzie (@TSNBobMcKenzie) December 1, 2018
As morning turned into afternoon, Maple Leafs fans started to feel angst as each minute passed by while others were excited for the saga to end.
Need Nylander on the squad. @MapleLeafs
— Marcus Stroman (@MStrooo6) December 1, 2018
I’m ready. Tick Tock. #Nylander pic.twitter.com/kSc0PSLiWz
— David Amber (@DavidAmber) December 1, 2018
And at 4:55 p.m., reports surfaced that Nylander and the Maple Leafs reached a contract agreement, ending Nylander watch.
Told Nylander is staying. Done deal 6 yrs.
— Darren Dreger (@DarrenDreger) December 1, 2018
6x6.9 Nylander
— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) December 1, 2018
Minutes later, the Maple Leafs announced that Nylander and the team came to terms on a new contract.
The @MapleLeafs have agreed to terms on a six-year contract extension with forward William Nylander, subject to League approval. #LeafsForever
— Leafs PR (@LeafsPR) December 1, 2018
The extension has a current season average annual value (AAV) of $10.2M and an out-year (years 2-6) AAV of $6.9M. #LeafsForever
— Leafs PR (@LeafsPR) December 1, 2018
Nylander made it official himself with a simple tweet.
Going home pic.twitter.com/neccpyfBVz
— William Nylander (@wmnylander) December 1, 2018
With Nylander re-joining a deeply talented Maple Leafs squad, it makes sense as to why Maple Leafs fans are even more excited by the contract.
Fashionably late! Nylander is returning people. pic.twitter.com/EKWdVqrNav
— BarDown (@BarDown) December 1, 2018
At the buzzer! Nylander signs with the Leafs. 6-year/$6.9M pic.twitter.com/s0vbyE6vs1
— Tim and Sid (@timandsid) December 1, 2018
Now the @MapleLeafs are ready for a Cup run! Happy to hear Nylander is a Leaf! #LeafsNation
— Jeremy Roenick (@Jeremy_Roenick) December 1, 2018
Others weren't happy with how long the saga took.
Nylander signs for what everyone thought he would. What an incredible waste of time.
— Sid Seixeiro (@Sid_Seixeiro) December 1, 2018
With the ink not yet dry on the contract, Dubas responded to relieved fans.
Never in doubt, Ry.
— Kyle Dubas (@kyledubas) December 1, 2018
Ex-NHL star Marc Savard had tweeted out the terms of the contract...on Nov. 22.
I’m hearing that 6.9 mill a year gets @wmnylander in a @MapleLeafs uniform before December 1st deadline !! My insider will remain anonymous!! Goodnight Ladies & Gents...
— Marc Savard (@MSavvy91) November 23, 2018
And he took his victory lap on Twitter.
Heard he’s staying 6 years 6.9 avv 🤑hmmmmm did someone say that a while back!!
— Marc Savard (@MSavvy91) December 1, 2018
Others made jokes on how long the situation took to resolve.
Nylander got addicted to the No Contract November bit
— Pete Blackburn (@PeteBlackburn) December 1, 2018
The real Nylander contract is the friends we made along the way.
— Andrew Berkshire (@AndrewBerkshire) December 2, 2018