A rumor involving the Toronto Maple Leafs, William Nylander, and the Seattle Kraken hit the mainstream roughly two weeks ago.
As Michael Whitaker initially reported here on Heavy, notable commentator Nick Kypreos floated the idea that the Leafs could part with William Nylander in a trade to Seattle, bringing back defensemen Brandon Montour and Jamie Oleksiak.
The suggested deal seemed preposterous at the time. The Kraken would be ridding themselves of an impending UFA blueliner and a disappointing contract in exchange for a bona fide 40-goal scorer.
However, new developments this week might make this trade not that crazy after all. The Maple Leafs might be more willing to explore the idea of moving Nylander to Seattle after David Pagnotta of the Fourth Period reported that the Kraken are looking to move former fourth-overall pick Shane Wright.
Pagnotta indicated that the Kraken wanted a legit top-six scorer in exchange for Wright. He explained:
“The Seattle Kraken are open to moving Shane Wright. I think with what they’ve been looking for previously – a legitimate top-six offensive threat; ideally somebody capable of playing in the top line – the sense that I’m getting is a willingness to move and package up Shane Wright in order to get that.”
The description certainly fits Nylander. But is Wright enough to move the needle for the Maple Leafs? Not by a country mile. A Nylander-Wright 1-for-1 hockey trade has no chance of getting off the ground.
Nevertheless, Wright plus other elements could make some sense. For instance, Wright, Montour, a first-round pick, and a sweetener could get the ball down the field.
Why Such a Deal Would Make Sense for Maple Leafs
The breakup of the Core Four started with Mitch Marner’s departure. Marner wasn’t a total loss as the sign-and-trade brought back Nic Roy. Roy has been a highly serviceable third-line center, lack of production notwithstanding.
Wright would give the Maple Leafs a potential second-line center if he could get his game on track. That’s a major if, as he’s not yet lived up to the hype that came with his draft pedigree.
That said, the change of scenery could help Wright get back on track. Plus, freeing up Nylander’s $11.5 million cap hit is something that could certainly benefit the Maple Leafs moving forward.
One Major Hitch in Potentially Nylander Trade
While the idea of a Nylander trade bringing back several pieces could make sense, there’s one major hitch. Nylander has a full no-movement clause. As such, the Maple Leafs’ winger would have okayed the deal.
In short, there’s very little chance Nylander would agree to a deal to Seattle. Nylander may agree to a trade to a contending club, but Seattle likely wouldn’t tickle his fancy. Perhaps a trade to a true contender like the Dallas Stars or Colorado Avalanche might be easier. That’s a conversation for another day, of course.
The likelihood of Wright coming to Toronto would be easier if the Maple Leafs moved another piece. But beyond Nylander, the Maple Leafs don’t really have the sort of player Seattle might want.
Maple Leafs-Kraken Nylander Trade Idea Not So Crazy After all