Some potential trade partners for the Maple Leafs if they go down that route with Nylander
Kevin McGran of the Toronto Star: (mailbag) The Toronto Maple Leafs and William Nylander‘s camp continue to work on a long-term deal, but believes a short-term deal is in the best interest of both sides.
His trade value depends on the size of contract – under $7 million is more valuable than a deal at over $7 million a season.
As of this point that Maple Leafs don’t want to trade Nylander.
The Maple Leafs could use an elite right-handed defenseman and at some point, they may feel they need a bigger forward.
Potential trade partners could include the Carolina Hurricanes, Columbus Blue Jackets, and the Calgary Flames. The Edmonton Oilers would be another team that would love to add a player like Nylander.
Kypreos and Burke on the Maple Leafs and Nylander situation
Chris Nichols of Nichols on Hockey: Nick Kypreos was on Sportsnet talking about the Toronto Maple Leafs and restricted free agent William Nylander.
“They have to fight him here, and there’s two reasons: 1) They’ve got to worry about their own cap situation. But I don’t see even at what I hear is the Leafs’ number of 6, I see massive cap problems anyway. I honestly believe they’re going to go for a long-term deal. Kyle Dubas is doing this just right. Beat this guy into submission, make him take a long-term deal at your number, and then he’s tradeable. They’ll get way more for him if he’s signed for six years than they will if he’s signed on a bridge deal.”
“And if that number is south of $7 million, there’s a chance for that six or seven-year deal according to the Toronto Maple Leafs,” indicated Kypreos. “If he stands pat here and he does not want to go down that path, I think the next move for him is to ask for a trade. Because there’s no way he’s going to going to get to $8 or $9 million on the Toronto Maple Leafs. To get that money, he’s going to have to go to another hockey club.”
Brian Burke was also on the show and added that he guesses that a deal will get done on Tuesday. Nylander’s agent also represented Johnny Gaudreau back when was with the Calgary Flames, and the situation is similar.
“And magically – because it doesn’t cost William Nylander anything. He hasn’t lost a cent yet. He’ll lose money starting Wednesday night. My prediction is he’ll move on Tuesday – the agent did that with us with Gaudreau – and they’ll get this deal done.”