Leafs Not Rebuilding, Nylander Stays

0:00For the NHL, it's March 17th. Here's what's happening. Make sure you're subscribed so you never miss an update. The Toronto Maple Leafs are not heading into a full rebuild despite their rough season. At the 2026 trade deadline, they move Bobby McMahon, Scott Lapton, and Nicholas Roy for draft picks but held on to Oliver Ekman-Larson, and Anthony Stalars, one name floating in rumors, William Nylander is not going anywhere. Nylander, now 29 years old, has 23 goals and 40 assists for 63 points in 51 games this year. Over his career, he has 285 goals and 390 assists in 736 games, averaging 0.92, points per game. Fans and analysts are frustrated with the losses and drop in the standings, but trading Nylander makes no sense. The team believes small tweets can get them back to playoff form, and those trade talks will seem silly later. Looking ahead to the summer, the least-need defensive upgrades after injury woes.

1:02They might shop for blue liners via trade or free agency and could swap coach Craig Baroube for someone like Pete DeBoer. Other moves could include chasing centers like Robert Thomas from St. Louis and trading Morgan Riley for cap space. Time will show their path, but Nylander stays put as they aim to contend. A message from our sponsor supports today's story. If earbuds fall out when you sleep, this is for you. A pillow with built-in sound, S-O-L-I-SOLYPILLOW.com