NHL Trade Rumors: Who will the Toronto Maple Leafs trade away? Trade for?

Unlikely, but exploratory options

William Nylander: It’s unsurprising that Nylander’s name continues to remain a feature of trade speculation — this, in spite of reminders, abound and a contract affirming that the winger shall stay in Toronto for a long time yet — but the prospect of moving the talented Swede will remain a staple of discussions until the court of public opinion unanimously sways in his favor. I highly doubt that Nylander is going anywhere, as the Leafs were afforded ample opportunities to swap out No. 29 for other assets. But speculation will run rampant, nonetheless.

Jake Gardiner: The go-to example of a high-risk, high-reward defender, Gardiner will probably serve as the most polarizing member of the blue and white until his days in Toronto are over. Set to become an unrestricted free agent in the up and coming summer, the defenseman is due for a raise — the substance of which the Leafs simply cannot afford. But what if the 28-year-old is willing to take a discount? The equivalent of — or less than — the sum of Rielly’s cap hit?

I can already hear the screams of certain portions of the fan base, but it’s a discussion that must be weighed with the utmost degree of seriousness. Equally relevant, then, is the matter of what a trade including Gardiner could look like. Although No. 51 will probably remain a member of the Buds heading into the postseason — an own rental of sorts — the possibility remains that the correct offer at the correct time could potentially sway Dubas, as the club’s assets on its left side of the blue line far outweigh its options on the right.

While it’s unlikely that Nylander or Gardiner will be moved, the question of whether either asset is categorically safe remains unanswered. As such, expect their names to be central to speculation in the days to follow.