Insider connects William Nylander to a Western Conference team

We know that it's more likely than not that the Leafs are going to undergo a bit of a transformation this summer and that in addition to the pending UFA's who may leave, not everyone with term on their current contracts will be back.

One interesting case is William Nylander, who made it sounds during yesterday's season-ending presser like he was not necessarily interested in negotiating an extension this summer. Nylander pointed to the fact that he still has another year left on his current deal and that he isn't due a new deal until next summer, which could force the Leafs' hand and land him in a new city over the upcoming offseason.

On yesterday's edition of 32 Thoughts, with Elliotte Friedman and Jeff Marek, the latter suggested that not only could we see Nylander dealt - he also mentioned one possible destination; the Colorado Avalanche.

Marek pointed to the uncertainty surrounding winger Valeri Nichushkin and the serious injury to captain Gabriel Landeskog as two major reasons why the Avs would have an interest in acquiring a player like Nylander, who recorded 40 goals and 87 points, playing all 82 games this season.


In terms of who the Avs might have to give up to land a player like Nylander, I'm not too sure. Both teams are expected to be contenders again next year, so I'm not sure how much the Avs would be willing to subtract from their current roster to pull off such a deal. However, Nylander would certainly fetch a handsome return in the event that the Leafs do indeed look to move him. I'd anticipate a package similar to or better than the one that the Canucks received in exchange for Bo Horvat; a quality NHL player, a top prospect and a 1st round pick.