The Toronto Maple Leafs were open to making some blockbuster trades ahead of the NHL trade deadline.
Matthew Knies’ name came up as a potential trade candidate, which surprised many. But, it didn’t stop there as Toronto reportedly was open to trade talks on star forward William Nylander ahead of the trade deadline.
NHL insider Nick Kypreos reported on The JD Bunkis Podcast on Sportsnet 590 The Fan that Toronto was open to trading him.
“Look big picture JD, if you move off of Knies, and his potential to bring you back three or four pieces, Willy is right there,” Kypreos said. “Talented guy that can put a few teams over the top. Not to mention, how much people would pay to see him. He could be the guy. You move off from Knies (trade talks) and focus on what Willy Nylander potential would be to bring you back in a trade.
“I did here they were open to conversations about Willy, and they should. That shouldn’t come as a shock to anybody, they are one of the worst teams. I would explore everything, including Willy and Auston going into this offseason and seeing what kind of return I could get. Willy’s name isn’t a non-starter for the Toronto Maple Leafs anymore.”
The Maple Leafs being open to trading Nylander would be a massive move, but it’s something Kypreos believes should happen.
Nylander is in the second year of his eight-year, $92 million deal with the Maple Leafs.
Nylander Admits It’s Hard to Stay ‘Optimistic’
The Maple Leafs are destined to miss the playoffs, as it’s been a disappointing season for Toronto.
Before Toronto’s March 10 game against the Montreal Canadiens, Nylander admitted it is hard to stay optimistic.
“It’s really hard to stay optimistic in this situation. Just trying to get a win tonight,” Nylander said. “It’s not going to help being frustrated. I think the mood in the locker room has changed a little bit. It’s made it a better environment.”
The Maple Leafs season has been a disappointing one, and Nylander isn’t thrilled with how it has played out.
Nylander has skated in 48 games, recording 22 goals and 38 assists for 60 points.
Maple Leafs GM Takes Responsibility for Season
Toronto was a seller at the trade deadline, and Maple Leafs general manager Brad Treliving blamed himself.
Treliving said the blame lies with him, as he was the one who built this team.
“I take responsibility for our season,” Treliving said. “I don’t look at today being an autopsy day. We still have 19 games to go. But I think there are a whole host of reasons.
“I’ll take responsibility. You know, we met earlier in the year, (at) about the 20-game mark, where we got off to a slow start. And again, the failures start with me. Once we get through the end of the season, you know, there will be all sorts of evaluation.”
Despite the lost season, Treliving has been rumored to return next season.
The Maple Leafs are 27-27-11 and last in the Atlantic Division.
Maple Leafs Reportedly Discussed Trades on Star $92M Forward