Leafs have bigger problems than Nylander, or perhaps people weren't watching the Leaf games this week. Ron Hainsey should not be playing 20 minutes a game, should not be on the top pair and should not be killing penalties. I would say trade him, but the Leafs would get squat for basically an outdated UFA rental who has a NTC, anyway. He was horrendous on the penalty kill last night, and his lack of foot speed and skill just makes him too slow and easy to get around when it comes to going up against other teams top players. If Nylander is dealt, it would need to bring back a piece, which would see Hainsey moved to the third pair. Hainsey is just awful, more horrendous then giveaway-master Jake Gardiner, who at least has the wheels (when he wants to use them) to sometimes defend.

My overall is prediction is that Nylander will not be signed or traded by the RFA deadline and will sit out the rest of the season.

I can't see a one year at 7m....too high as negotiation starter for next year for the Leafs
3 years at 5.9m is my first choice Second choice he sits out a year. He doesn't get traded without a signed contract. If signed, the Leafs 99% keep him anyway. Next summer with cap issues, then he might be traded.

Its 5 years 6.85 mil too many people sniffing around saying this, cap hit of about 6.475

As an outsider looking in, I feel like the Leafs do not need Nylander. He would be a great asset to have, of course, however they have plenty of firepower in that offense. If I were Kyle Dubas, I'd trade him for a really solid RHD to shore up that defensive core.

the risky part about that is the multiple young high end players they have coming up soon that might make it not needed, and we may be looking for another top 6 player again

The writing is on the wall. Nylander is still in Sweden and there is where he will stay. Nylander sits this year.

Personally, I think the Leafs should be able to drive their offense through Marner, Matthews, and Tavares. Look at a team like Tampa, they are able to get scoring from all four of their lines. If Toronto is able to develop a culture similar to that, and also build up a really solid backend, they will be very tough to beat. Right now, without Nylander, Toronto is 3rd in goals per game, and while their goals against per game is excellent, they are sixth in shots against per game (highest for current playoff teams). Trust me, as a Lightning fan, I know that you need defense to win championships because you cannot rely on Freddie Anderson to maintain a .932 SV% all year, year-in and year-out.

If Trouba was on the table with an extension, I'd consider moving him. Outside of that player, and I'm not up to date on defensive prospects leaguewide, I don't see the return being worth moving him.

If he won't accept something in the 6.5M x 6 or 7M x 8, he can sit. They clearly are fine without him. In fact, I've forgotten how good he is with him being out so long. There was a time when he looked better than Marner..