Jeff Marek Reveals Shocking Trade The Toronto Maple Leafs Almost Made Involving William Nylander
NHL insider Jeff Marek revealed today that the Toronto Maple Leafs nearly traded William Nylander in 2018.
The 2018-19 season was one to forget for fans of the Maple Leafs.
The team had exactly 100 points with a 46-28-8 record and lost in the first round of the playoffs to the Boston Bruins in seven games.
Perhaps the most memorable part of that season was the drama with William Nylander who almost did not sign with the team as a then pending restricted free agent.
Now, the Leafs are dealing with more drama with another Superstar in Mitch Marner, who has apparently rejected a major contract offer from the team.
Today, NHL insider Jeff Marek revealed that then Leafs GM Lou Lamoriello nearly traded Nylander to the St. Louis Blues as those contract negotiations faltered.
Nylander infamously held out as he was engaged in bitter contract negotiations with the team that carried into the regular season.
In fact, he only signed just before the deadline of December 1st, otherwise he would not have been eligible to play at all that season.
He ended up getting into just 54 games and had a career-low 7 goals and 27 points.
Apparently, at some point during those negotiations is when the Leafs nearly moved him to the Blues for Pietrangelo.
It is a good thing they didn't as Nylander has since proven to be the much more impactful player.
Going back to the 2018-19 season, Nylander has 202 goals and 448 points.
Pietrangelo on the other hand has 67 goals and 272 points. Granted, Pietrangelo is a defenseman so this is not exactly an apples-to-apples comparison, but it is safe to say that Nylander is the better player today, and he has been better for some time.
Furthermore, his trade value today is much higher than Pietrangelo's although the Leafs likely would never consider trading him again.
| POLL | ||
FEVRIER 6 | 191 ANSWERS Jeff Marek Reveals Shocking Trade The Toronto Maple Leafs Almost Made Involving William Nylander How far do you think the Toronto Maple Leafs will go in the playoffs this year? | ||
| 1st round exit | 73 | 38.2 % |
| 2nd round exit | 70 | 36.6 % |
| Conference finals | 36 | 18.8 % |
| Stanley Cup Finals | 12 | 6.3 % |
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