The Maple Leafs Are On The Verge Of Letting Willam Nylander Go

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Hunter Bowman
December 4, 2023 (9:12 PM)

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Despite William Nylander delivering consistent performance for the Toronto Maple Leafs, trade talks are gaining momentum, with two teams nearing a blockbuster deal for the Swedish forward.

In the first 22 games of the season, Nylander has been the Leafs' standout player, leading in points with 29, assists with 17, and ranking second in goals with 12. His reliability on the ice has been evident, with only three scoreless games this season, coincidentally following the Global Series in Sweden. However, Nylander swiftly rebounded, initiating a new point streak with two assists in his last two games.

While Nylander's on-ice contributions shine, concerns loom over his contract status. In the final year of his current deal, the possibility of him leaving Toronto due to contract disputes has fueled trade rumors.

HockeyBuzz.com's Eklund recently shared a significant update on the Nylander trade discussions:

"The Leafs have been hesitant to listen to trade offers for their most consistent forward, however, from what I am told, the offers are 'finally getting somewhere in the ballpark.' I keep hearing the Kings and Islanders as the two most actively pursuing Willie..."

Both the Kings and Islanders emerge as strong contenders for Nylander. The Kings, already performing at an elite level, could become serious Cup favorites with Nylander in their lineup. On the other hand, the Islanders, lacking depth on the wing, could see Nylander paired with Mat Barzal, potentially forming one of the most dominant duos in hockey.

With a few months until the trade deadline, the Leafs face a decision: secure Nylander with a new contract or explore a trade if a suitable offer arises.

Source: Hockeypatrol