There will always be noise around the Toronto Maple Leafs – that’s the territory that comes with playing in the mecca of hockey for a fan base that lives and breathes its team.
In 2025-2026, that sound reflected the season itself: a rollercoaster ride full of ups and downs and many twists and turns. As a result, pretty much everything has been the subject of speculation, and the latest rumor that has taken on a life of its own is the idea of moving William Nylander, especially since the Maple Leafs have found themselves back in the playoffs during his injury absence.
Sportsnet insider Nick Kypreos has been at the forefront of urging GM Brad Treliving to at least explore the market for his superstar winger, whether that be at the deadline or in the offseason. Those discussions continued on Monday’s Real Kyper and Bourne show, but when the idea of a one-for-one trade between Nylander and Adam Fox was floated, Kypreos quickly shut it down.
Kypreos said:
“I don’t. No, I’m just saying that Adam Fox has dropped substantially for me. A few years ago I would have said yes. I don’t know, his game is down. He’s not big, he’s not physical, he doesn’t have much presence like he did a few years ago. That’s not the guy. I want a stud for Willy Nylander there,”
The 29-year-old Nylander scored 41 points (14 goals, 27 assists) in just 33 games played in 2025-26. He is in the second season of the eight-year, $92 million extension he signed with the Maple Leafs in 2024.
Meanwhile, the 27-year-old Fox has gained almost a point per game against the back this season, with 28 points (four goals, 24 assists) in 30 games. He is in year four of the seven-year, $66.5 million extension signed with the Rangers in 2021.
If not Adam Fox, what about William Nylander?
Since Kypreos is clearly not interested in a Nylander-for-Fox trade, it begs the question of what kind of return he would actually be looking for in a deal involving the 2024 All-Star.
The good news is that we learned exactly that when he subsequently proposed a two-for-one deal with the Seattle Kraken for Brandon Montour and Jamie Oleksiak. Kypreos prefers Montour’s hard-hitting style, his ability to impact winning ways and his Stanley Cup pedigree, while also valuing the added depth that Oleksiak alone would bring to Fox.
As strong as Montour would be in Toronto, if the Maple Leafs really want to move on from one of – if not the – most talented players on their roster, they need a player of the same ilk, especially since they just let Mitch Marner walk out the door this summer.
Fox may not be the exact prototype they’re looking for, but his skill set matches Nylander’s more closely than most available options, which could ultimately make him one of their more realistic trade targets.
Next: The tables have turned on Mitch Marner’s move from Toronto to Vegas
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