Will the Leafs sign William Nylander to an extension or trade him?
Sportsnet: Luke Fox reports center William Nylander hopes to ink a long-term extension with the Toronto Maple Leafs. He said he intends to take it day-by-day and see what happens, adding he hasn’t thought about the possibility of still being unsigned when training camp opens next month. Still plenty of time for Nylander and the Leafs to reach an agreement. Still, if there’s no deal in place when the calendar flips to September, we’ll likely start hearing a lot more speculation over his status. Some observers suggest the Leafs trade Nylander for an upgrade on defense.
The LA Kings should trade Dustin Brown
Don’t get used to seeing Dustin Brown’s name mentioned in a positive light. The veteran forward, frequent donator to the Player Safety Fund, and former captain of the Kings experienced a career renaissance under new coach John Stevens. With 28 goals and 33 assists combining for a career-high 61 points, Brown saw his status grow from albatross to primary scorer, and his underlying numbers suggest his play could continue. If Brown’s scoring this fall picks up where it left off, the Kings would be wise to try and move him as fast as possible.
Just a year ago the Kings could have used a miracle to get rid of Dustin Brown’s contract. Making $5.875 million a year for another four seasons, Brown was producing like a bottom-six player as opposed to the second-line scorer he returned to this year. While that pace is sustainable in the short-term, Brown is 33, and a decline is due even if a regression isn’t. With an eight-team trade list that’s re-upped at every season, the Kings may be able to convince one of Brown’s listed destinations that he’s worth the price. Brown’s value is higher than it’s been in years, and if the Kings can convince someone to take him on, the cap relief alone will be worth it.
