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Nashville Predators: Is a trade for William Nylander worth it?

By Mackenzie Ingram

(Photo by Mark Blinch/NHLI via Getty Images)
(Photo by Mark Blinch/NHLI via Getty Images) /
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WINNIPEG, MB – MAY 1: Kevin Fiala #22 of the Nashville Predators takes part in the pre-game warm up prior to NHL action against the Winnipeg Jets in Game Three of the Western Conference Second Round during the 2018 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at the Bell MTS Place on May 1, 2018 in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. (Photo by Jonathan Kozub/NHLI via Getty Images)
WINNIPEG, MB – MAY 1: Kevin Fiala #22 of the Nashville Predators takes part in the pre-game warm up prior to NHL action against the Winnipeg Jets in Game Three of the Western Conference Second Round during the 2018 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at the Bell MTS Place on May 1, 2018 in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. (Photo by Jonathan Kozub/NHLI via Getty Images) /

Getting a bit of everything

Despite the last slide suggesting that Toronto is certain to get more than a desperation package for Nylander, it does remain entirely possible that the Leafs are forced to take a chance on a deal that may not greatly improve the team in one specific area.

In this situation, a deal between the two discussed teams could resemble something along the lines of..,

Nashville Predators trade:

Kevin Fiala, Niclas Westerholm, 2019-Second round pick, and 2018-Fourth round pick (Colorado), Dan Hamhuis

Toronto Maple Leafs trade:

William Nylander, 2020 Seventh-round pick (San Jose)

This middle deal is perhaps the least sexy to Leafs fans, but, does present value should contract talks between Nylander and Toronto continue to go south.

The most significant piece in the deal would be Kevin Fiala, who like Nylander, is also a former first-round pick who has shown promise at the NHL level already.

Though he lacks the two-way ability Nylander possesses, Fiala is coming off a 25-goal campaign in 2017-2018, so seeing his offensive talent be paired alongside Auston Matthews is something that could entice Toronto’s management.

Aside from the two draft picks in the trade, Nashville would also part ways with Dan Hamhuis and Niclas Westerholm as each presents their own value to the Maple Leafs as well.

Hamhuis, who is a currently in his 15th year in the league provides Toronto with some much needed defensive depth, while Westerholm gives them a potential solid backup option should Fredrik Andersen or Garret Sparks be injured at any point in the season.

Up to this point, Westerholm is unproven at the NHL level, however, he has posted impressive statistics in his junior career so far, including a .926 save percentage over 28 games last year for his team in Finland.

In short, this trade benefits both teams as neither squad is forced to completely change their identity and get to round out their respective teams in the process.

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