Nylander sticking with Maple Leafs, burning 1st year of entry-level contract

William Nylander's staying with the Toronto Maple Leafs.

The 19-year-old prospect and future of the club will play in his 10th game Thursday against the Florida Panthers, head coach Mike Babcock confirmed. By playing more than nine games, the first year of Nylander's entry-level contract will be burned.

The youngster will also likely stay at center ice, even when Tyler Bozak - who practiced Wednesday for the first time in six weeks after suffering a concussion - returns, Babcock added, according to The Globe and Mail's James Mirtle.

Nylander has two goals in nine games, averaging slightly under 16 minutes of ice time per game in his first taste of NHL action. He'll be headed back down to the AHL at the conclusion of the Maple Leafs' season, as the Toronto Marlies are set to compete for the Calder Cup.