Report: Maple Leafs William Nylander Almost Traded Before Massive Extension
A new report has surfaced that details how the Leafs were looking to potentially trade William Nylander before offering him his blockbuster contract.
Elliotte Friedman Reveals that William Nylander Was Almost Traded
William Nylander has been almost the only topic of discussion in Toronto this season. Between his incredible production this year, and his contract extension, Nylander has had all of the spotlight.
However, what didn't get much attention was the fact that Nylander was being shopped by the Toronto Maple Leafs for a potential defenseman prior to them re-engaging in contract discussions around Christmastime. This, according to Elliotte Friedman on his 32 thoughts podcast.
I think from the beginning of the season until just before Christmas when Toronto re-engaged, and I think a lot of this started again just after their trip to Sweden... I think the Maple Leafs went through the league and said 'if we let him go and we use that money on the blueline, who is the defenseman we could go get and be impactful enough to fix the loss of Nylander and his production?...They said there is not a defenseman they can get their hands on who is worth losing this player."
Leafs GM Brad Treliving Has High Expectations of Nylander Now that Deal is Done
Now that the Leafs and Nylander have officially inked the deal, Brad Treliving has high expectations for the star forward. He doesn't necessarily want Nylander to change his game, but he certainly expects him to evolve and continue to improve.
Leaf fans can take a breath now that Nylander is officially signed, and can look forward to another 8 years of the star. Hopefully, it will be worth the $92 million it took to keep him here.
As seen on Maple Leafs Daily - "Nylander reportedly almost traded before signing his extention in Toronto
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| POLL | ||
Would you rather have seen the Leafs trade Nylander for a defenseman? | ||
| Yes | 626 | 39.3 % |
| No | 966 | 60.7 % |
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