Maple Leafs Willing to Consider William Nylander Trade

The Toronto Maple Leafs may be approaching a crossroads that few expected just a year ago. 

Amid a disastrous 2025–26 season and growing frustration inside the organization, reports suggest the team was at least willing to consider trade conversations involving William Nylander before the deadline. 

The idea alone would have been unthinkable maybe even a year ago, but as losses pile up and the standings worsen, even Toronto’s core stars may no longer be viewed as untouchable.

William Nylander Trade Rumors Surface During Leafs Collapse

According to Sportsnet insider Nick Kypreos, the Maple Leafs were open to discussing Nylander in trade talks as they evaluated the roster ahead of the deadline. 

While the team ultimately did not move the Swedish winger, the fact that his name entered conversations suggests the front office is quietly considering major changes if the current direction continues.

“They were open to conversations about Willy, and that shouldn’t shock anyone.”@RealKyper joins @JDBunkis to discuss William Nylander’s future with the Maple Leafs. pic.twitter.com/dAkTxkhRBP

— Sportsnet 590 The FAN (@FAN590) March 11, 2026

Nylander has hardly been the problem this season. 

In fact, the 29-year-old winger leads Toronto in scoring with 60 points (22 goals, 38 assists) in just 48 games, despite missing time earlier in the year with a groin injury. 

However, his nonchalant personality, when things are going poorly, and his carefree way of playing have driven Leafs fans mad over the past couple of years, despite his offensive production remaining elite.

Since being drafted eighth overall in 2014, Nylander has become one of the franchise’s most productive players, recording 674 points in 734 career games, and has a very impressive 23 goals and 62 points over 49 games this season.

Leafs’ Struggles Could Force a Core Shakeup

The Maple Leafs’ collapse has fueled the speculation. 

Toronto currently sits near the bottom of the standings with a 28-27-11 record and an eight-game losing streak that they just snapped, leaving the team closer to a high draft pick than a playoff spot. 

That reality has forced general manager Brad Treliving to consider all possibilities as the organization looks at its long-term direction.

William Nylander says he wouldn’t believe it if, before this season, you told him the Maple Leafs would have these results.

“I mean, hard to really stay optimistic in this situation.”

— luke fox (@lukefoxjukebox) March 10, 2026

Nylander’s situation is complicated by his contract. The winger is in the second year of an eight-year, $92 million extension carrying an $11.5 million cap hit, and the deal includes a full no-movement clause. 

Any trade would require Nylander’s approval, meaning a deal would only happen if both the player and the organization believe a major change is necessary.

For now, the Maple Leafs are still expected to build around players like Auston Matthews and Nylander, but the door appears to be cracked open in a way it never was before.

Photo Credit: Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images