Winnipeg Jets: William Nylander could be missing puzzle piece

The Winnipeg Jets have what it takes to acquire William Nylander from the Toronto Maple Leafs. Not only that, he could be the final piece to the Stanley Cup puzzle.

Currently, the Toronto Maple Leafs are trying to work something out with restricted free agent William Nylander. The two sides are reportedly about $2 million per year apart. However, history suggests it is far more likely Nylander will re-sign by the Dec. 1 deadline (when all RFAs must be signed by in order to play that season) than it is for him to be dealt. Want proof? Look no further than the Leafs’ Canadian brethren, the Winnipeg Jets.

During the 2015-16 season, defenseman Jacob Trouba remained unsigned until Nov. 11. There seemed to be no hope for the two sides to get something done. But something did. Ironically, Trouba could be someone who helps the Jets get Nylander.

Trouba For Nylander

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If the Maple Leafs trade Nylander, and there is a minimal chance of that happening, it’s not going to be for prospects and draft picks. It would be for someone who immediately makes the Leafs better. Trouba, a right-handed defenseman, would fill Toronto’s biggest hole. He’d be a far better option on the top pairing than the incumbent Ron Hainsey.

It would make sense for the Jets to trade Trouba as well. Sure, it would create a hole on their defense. But the Jets could then call up top defenseman prospect Sami Niku, who would help fill that hole.

Tyler Myers could move up a pairing and either Ben Chiarot or Joseph Morrow could play on their off-side. It would obviously be a downgrade from Trouba, but Nylander represents a huge upgrade for their offense.

What Else?

A Nylander for Trouba trade probably doesn’t make both parties happy. Winnipeg, though they’d be getting the best player in the deal, would suddenly have a hole on the right side of their blueline. Meanwhile, the Leafs would solve a huge need by getting Trouba, but wouldn’t be getting equal value for Nylander.

There would have to be more from both teams in order for the trade to make a bit more sense. The Leafs could toss in defenseman Justin Holl, whose ability to move the puck and size would be tempting for the Jets. He’s right-handed and, at worst, could handle third pairing minutes.

Despite being 26 years old, Holl looks like someone who could be a late bloomer. He was a critical piece for the Toronto Marlies during their Calder Cup run and has yet to look out of place in the NHL (albeit in a two-game sample size).

Meanwhile, the Jets would probably have to toss in a second-round pick. That should even things up. And, of course, there would have to be an agreement from Nylander’s camp to sign a long-term deal with the Jets. Depending on when the trade occurs, there might be an agreement for Trouba to sign with the Leafs long-term as well (he’s eligible to sign an extension on Jan. 1).

Why Nylander?

Nylander would give the Jets arguably the best core of forwards in the Western Conference. If moved to center, he’d give them a strong core of forwards they can build around. Bryan Little is currently their second line center, but he’d be better off in a third line role. Jack Roslovic, currently a third line center, would be better off as a third line wing.

Let’s compare Nylander and Little. Little’s best year came in 2013-14, when he put up 64 points. Since then, he has struggled to stay healthy. In 2017-18, Little had 43 points in 82 games. Meanwhile, Nylander has his best years ahead of him. He’s coming off consecutive 61 point seasons.

His versatility would allow the Jets to adapt their lineup as needed. Even if Nylander doesn’t have success at center (and he did in 2016-17, winning over 50 percent of his face-offs), they could add one at the trade deadline and move Nylander to wing.

There are very few teams who would make sense to trade for the most notable unsigned RFA in the NHL. Especially given with the Leafs are likely going to command for him. However, the Jets probably make the most sense for Nylander and they have exactly what Toronto wants for him.