Massive Trade Proposal Sends Willian Nylander to Rival Canadiens

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Wade Messier
July 4, 2023 (2:04 PM)

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Lots has been made of the recent report that William Nylander and the Toronto Maple Leafs aren't close in contract talks. With tensions at an all-time high in Toronto, it looks more and more like Nylander might be traded soon.

Nylander to the Habs?

That's right, a recent trade proposal would send Leafs star William Nylander to the Leafs' biggest rival, the Montreal Canadiens.

The trade in question would see Toronto get quite the haul for their star forward.

To TOR:
Mike Matheson
Riley Kidney
Jordan Harris
2nd 2025

To MTL:
William Nylander

This would land Toronto a top-pair defenseman, a very good prospect, a young NHL defenseman, and a 2nd round pick

Fair Value?

Some Leafs fans might look at this trade and scoff, but they should take a second to think about it. Very few teams have the assets to make a competitive offer for Nylander, and Montreal is one of them.

Mike Matheson seemed to be a whole new player this season, playing huge minutes for a very bad Canadiens team. The Quebec native dominated when he was on the ice, with his elite skating often giving him the edge over his opponents. With a reasonable contract for the next few years, Matheson could be the cost-effective piece the Leafs have been looking for.

Riley Kidney has spent the past few years torching the QMJHL, and will likely make the jump to the AHL this season. The high scoring forward is a great future middle-six option for the Leafs and would be a great addition.

Jordan Harris played his rookie season in the NHL this year after playing a full collegiate career with Northeastern University. The young blueliner was one of the smartest players on the Canadiens this season and is on an incredibly cheap contract.

This might be one of the best offers the Leafs would get for Nylander.

As Seen on Habs Fanatics - Trade Proposal Emerges Sending Nylander to the Canadiens