Details revealed on potential William Nylander trade

According to Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman, if the Maple Leafs move on from William Nylander, expect a top-4 right-handed defenseman coming back the other way. There will not be a deal completed without one.

The Maple Leafs are in desperate need of some help on their right-side of their d-core and are exploring just about all options at this point. The preference has always been to keep their 'core-four' together, but it appears more and more likely Nylander is going to be moved, to ensure the Leafs get back exactly what they need.

Unwilling to the pay the price for Kapanen, teams were asking Toronto what other forwards are available. Based on what I’m hearing, I don’t think William Nylander is going anywhere without a legit top-four right-handed defender coming in return - Elliotte Friedman, 31 Thoughts

With the recent Kasperi Kapanen trade with Pittsburgh, the Leafs hold the #15 overall pick, pairing this Nylander who is signed long-term and at a reasonable price under $7million, the Leafs could get back a stud d-man in return.

The likes of Matt Dumba, Ryan Ellis, Colton Parayko, Brent Burns, and Jacob Trouba are on the Leafs radar. GM, Kyle Dubas has been busy as anyone these recent weeks, it's only a matter of time before another deal drops in the Big Smoke.

Where there's smoke, there's fire.