If the Leafs were to make a trade of Nylander, I'd really think they'd be better off getting prospects and picks back and then having cap space to add a defenseman.
But they shouldn't trade Nylander, especially not notw.
We always talk about dealing from a position of strength, so do you not think the Leafs are in a position of strength in the forward positions?
I'm not advocating trading Nylander, I'm a little undecided here in October...but I see the following options here to deal with the apparent defense issue:
1. They need a good defenseman, so they'll need to trade a good forward to get one.
2. They need a good defenseman, but they can trade other assets besides a top forward like Nylander to get one.
3. They don't need another good defenseman at the current prices and cap space available, and besides that, there are some good options coming up internally.