William Nylander's days as a Maple Leaf may be numbered, as a Western conference team has emerged as the frontrunner to acquire the superstar forward.
Canucks looking at Nylander
Insider Eklund at Hockeybuzz.com has revealed that the Vancouver Canucks were the frontrunner for the Nylander sweepstakes.
According to the report. Several inside sources have confirmed the rumor. The Canucks have jumped into the Nylander sweeps, and are hopeful that they can work out a solid package to send Toronto in exchange for the Swedish right-winger.
A potential trade between the two teams could include the following assets:
To TOR:
Brock Boeser
Jonathan Lekkerimaki
2024 1st round pick (top-10 protected)
To VAN:
William Nylander (8-year extension in place)
2024 5th round pick
How Swede it could be
The Canucks love their Swedish players. Throughout their history, they've had several notable Swedes in their lineup including Markus Naslund, Henrik & Daniel Sedin, Mats Sundin, Thomas Gradin, Mattias Ohlund, Jacob Markstrom, Alexander Edler and Elias Pettersson.
The Canucks wish to remain competitive throughout their rebuild, and adding Nylander to the lineup will keep Elias Pettersson happy, who, is unsure about his future as a Vancouver Canuck at this time.
Nylander, 27, scored 40 goals and had 87 points in 82 games in 2022-23, and has established his name as a star player in the league.
Meanwhile, Brock Boeser, 26, scored 55 points in 74 games last year, in what was deemed an off-year for the former All-Star.
The Leafs would also be adding future potential star Lekkerimaki. Who has not played in an NHL game in his career.
Nylander will be entering the final year of his 6-year, $45M contract as the 2023-24 season gets under way.
Should the Canucks try to acquire Nylander?
Yes
No
