At the moment, the Toronto Maple Leafs have one of the highest-powered offensive units in the NHL, but, with one of their young stars, William Nylander set to test free agency this upcoming summer, are the Nashville Predators in contention to acquire his services?
With two weeks played in the NHL season, the Nashville Predators are still struggling to find their groove offensively.
Highlighting the woes for Nashville’s offense has been a 24th ranked Powerplay unit that has converted on only two of their 20 chances with the extra man advantage.
More from Analysis
- Nashville Predators 2023 Training Camp Spotlight: Kiefer Sherwood
- Nashville Predators 2023 Training Camp Spotlight: Cody Glass
- Nashville Predators Need to Not Rely on Juuse Saros as Much in 2023-24
- Nashville Predators 2023 Training Camp Spotlight: Jake Livingstone
- Nashville Predators 2023 Training Camp Spotlight: Philip Tomasino
Despite their offense being average at best, the Predators still find themselves atop both the Central Division and Western Conference.
Considering this, are any major changes to the teams’ offense actually needed?
If Nashville was confident that improving there top-six forwards would greatly increase their chances at making another Stanley Cup final, the biggest asset they may be able to land at a fair price is unquestionably William Nylander.
So far in his career, Nylander, has played in 185 games for the Toronto Maple Leafs while putting up 135 points. Additionally, the 22-year old has managed to acquire 20 goals and 60 points in both of his full seasons at the NHL level.
Given Nylander’s youth and his success so far, one may wonder why the Leafs would even consider moving the Swede. As we know now, however, Toronto and Nylander are struggling to come to terms on a new contract that would prevent Nylander from becoming a free agent this upcoming season; complicating matters for the rest of the team.
Specifically, fans and management are unhappy the 22-year old is unwilling to accept a bridge deal, remaining firm on wanting a look-term deal with an NHL club.
William Nylander says he wants a long-term contract with Maple Leafs as opposed to a bridge deal.
— luke fox (@lukefoxjukebox) August 1, 2018
Currently, Nylander has not suited up in a Leafs uniform this year as his contract holdout remains, yet, Toronto still has the best offense in the league, averaging nearly 5 goals per game so far. The success of the Maple Leafs without Nylander in their lineup has further sparked trade rumors for the former 1st round selection.
Should Nashville make a run at him?