This is not the first time William Nylander’s name has popped up in the NHL Rumors mill. His name was brought up two seasons ago when it was suggested the Toronto Maple Leafs should trade for some grit.
The weak play Nylander did in Sunday nights game against the Tampa Bay Lighting, just shows he does not have the grit, desire to win battles for pucks that are needed in playoff hockey.
Watch the video below of William Nylander giving up on the play. Just awful.
TSN NHL Analyst Chris Johnston reported last month that he feels the Maple Leafs will have to trade one of the core four this summer and Nylander seems to be the odd man out.
Nylander can score, has soft hands, but in order for the Leafs to have a long playoff run, they need more grit and trading Nylander and freeing up some much needed Leafs salary cap space will allow management to trade for a good gritty forward and defenceman next season.
The Leafs have Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner entering their primes and now is the time for the Leafs to have some deep playoff runs in the next few years.
The past early round exits versus Montreal and Boston have proved having just skill will not win a playoff series for the Leafs, they need a few gritty players to complement the skilled players.
Video of William Nylander giving up on the puck
