The rumour keeps churning and one team is making the headlines today. As usual, once it’s locker room clean out day it’s your final chance with the media. As summer is about to begin, the work still needs to get done. One team to keep a watch on is the Toronto Maple Leafs. One star is ready to sign a deal, but there is another core piece to dial in around. A William Nylander trade could happen. He has one year left on his current deal.
Could William Nylander Be On The Move?
Rumour: Jeff Marek discusses a potential trade involving William Nylander
Marek on 32TP: "if you make William Nylander available, I know a lot of Nylander haters won't like to hear this, there will be a huge market for William Nylander…The one that keeps popping out to me when I think about if the Leafs want to go to market with Nylander is Colorado"
— NHL Watcher (@NHL_Watcher) May 15, 2023
For years, Toronto has built an elite core at the forward position. They are highly talented, fun to watch, and are dynamite for production. That core is Auston Matthews, Mitch Marner, and John Tavares. In addition, one key player is William Nylander. The Swedish winger was a key part of the success for Toronto this year. He went on to tie for the team lead in goals (40) and finished second in points (87). This shattered his career high from last year (80 points). It would not be ideal for Toronto to move on from such a player, but there is only so much money to go around.
The Market For Nylander
Impactful scoring wingers do not grow on trees. It is not to say that Nylander is available, but the market for him would be in high demand. In addition, he would not be alone as Boston Bruins winger could be on the move as well. If not for the Devils adding Timo Meier, the fit for him would be there. However, one team mentioned by Marek is the Colorado Avalanche.
That makes sense. Gabriel Landeskog is unlikely to return next season at all. The future surrounding Valeri Nichushkin remains to be seen as well. After losing a good chunk of core impactful pieces, revamping the offensive group is a need. Nylander would thrive next to Nathan MacKinnon and Mikko Rantanen. Joe Sakic may very well give Kyle Dubas a call. Nylander is due a hefty pay day on his current deal and is proven he is worth it. Not sure if Toronto can fit that bill and losing him for nothing is a tough pill to swallow.
Main Photo: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports
