Toronto Maple Leafs in Flux: Could William Nylander be on His Way Out?

After another season that fell short of the playoffs, the Toronto Maple Leafs seem poised for significant organizational shifts. Whether it's Kyle Dubas, Sheldon Keefe, Brendan Shanahan, or any players from the 'Core Four', the odds are that some familiar faces won't return for the upcoming season.

Most recently, murmurs around William Nylander's future with the team have grown louder. With a single year remaining on his contract and a ten-team no-trade clause about to kick in this July, if the Leafs choose to make a move, the clock is ticking. The stage seems set for a possible deal before, or at the latest, during the NHL Draft slated for June 28th.

In a recent episode of the 32 Thoughts podcast, Elliotte Friedman dropped a hint that the Leafs wouldn't be "running it back" – in other words, changes are on the horizon for the team lineup ahead of next season. As Nylander's no-trade clause looms, the team is likely motivated to decide on his future before then, possibly even by the time of the NHL Draft.

Speculation continues to swirl, with the RMNB website proposing a potential trade scenario: Nylander to the Washington Capitals in exchange for Tom Wilson.



Statistically, both players had a comparably strong last season, with the only notable difference being Wilson's reduced game time – he played just 33 games.

Wilson's injury-shortened season shouldn't be a deterrent for the Leafs if they consider this trade. Wilson's impressive physicality on the ice makes him a significant asset for any team lucky enough to snag him.