Insider Reveals Maple Leafs Considered Trading William Nylander

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Tyler Ball
August 29, 2023 (12:25)

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William Nylander rumors have been flying around for months. Up until this point it has mostly been media and fans speculating that the Leafs should trade Nylander. Now an insider has revealed that the Leafs have in fact considered a Nylander trade.

Elliotte Friedman Dishes On Nylander Trade

Elliotte Friedman is one of the NHL's most respected insiders. He recently joined Halford and Brough in the Morning to discuss the Leafs and Nylander. He suggest that the Leafs did look into trading Nylander.

«I think the Maple Leafs just decided [to keep him for this year] I think they looked at trading him. I don't think they liked what was out there,» Friedman said. «I mean, he did score 40 goals last year. He's a really talented guy and in the playoffs, he was involved in a couple of their really successful moments against Tampa Bay. I think they know that and recognize that, they didn't like what was out there [in the trade market].»

Friedman makes it sound as though some talks happened but nothing significant. He also refers to the idea that Nylander will likely stick in Toronto for the year.

Nylander Staying In Toronto?

With the market for William Nylander looking thin at the moment, the focus starts to shift to a possible extension. If the Leafs are going to take the risk of keeping Nylander through this season the focus has to be on hammering out an extension. If the organization keeps him and is unable to reach an extension the backlash would be insane.

With Nylander in the last year of his deal without an extension or trade the Leafs lose him for nothing. This would be a massive failure in Brad Treliving's tenure. After an Auston Matthews extension that has left many with mixed opinions, a loss on Nylander could put Treliving on the hot seat quickly.

As Read On - Daily Hive - Leafs pondered Nylander trade earlier this summer: report