Rumor: Toronto and Philadelphia Discussed Nylander Trade

The Toronto Maple Leafs and Philadelphia Flyers have reportedly discussed a trade involving forward William Nylander and defenseman Travis Sanheim.

Nylander's name has been rumored to be traded for years, and to this point Leafs general manager Kyle Dubas has done nothing to indicate he's interested in moving the Swedish right-winger/centre. Nylander has four-years left at $6.9 million and last season collected 31 goals in 68 games. 

The 24-year-old Sanheim is 6'3 and plays a heavy game for the Flyers. The Manitoba native was a first-round pick of the Flyers back in 2014, and was selected nine spots after Nylander was selected by the Leafs. 

Sanheim is in the final year of a two-year deal that sees him make $3.25 million. He will be a restricted free-agent when his contract is up. Last season Sanheim finished the year with 25 points in 69 points, and would give the Maple Leafs another defenseman to add to their core moving forward.

We caught up with an employee of MLSE who had this to say about the potential trade:

Nothing new to hear Nylander's name in the mix, but at this point it's not likely. Kyle sounds like he's content to let this roster ride it out until at least the trade deadline. He believes the moves he's already made this offseason and he believes in Nylander and loves his contract. Lots can change, but at this point, don't expect Nylander to be traded anytime soon.

If it was up to Brian Burke, this deal would happen in a heart beat. Fortunately for Nylander, his current general manager doesn't care what anyone else thinks.

Photo credit:  Gavin Baker/Icon Sportswire

Analyzing the Flyers’ Trade Rumor For Maple Leafs’ William Nylander https://t.co/kSpLiHBZz3

— Philly Sports Network (@PhiladelphiaSN) December 5, 2020