A split image showing Toronto Maple Leafs forward William Nylander (left) and Seattle Kraken defenseman Brandon Montour (right). The two players have recently been linked in speculation regarding a potential blockbuster trade involving their respective teams.
The Proposal: Nick Kypreos is urging the Toronto Maple Leafs to trade superstar winger William Nylander to the Seattle Kraken in exchange for defensemen Brandon Montour and Jamie Oleksiak.
In a recent discussion regarding the Leafs’ perpetual struggle to solidify their defense, the conversation initially drifted toward a hypothetical swap for the Rangers’ Adam Fox. However, Kypreos quickly pivoted to a deal he believes would instantly transform Toronto’s identity.
“I would do Brandon Montour for Willie… and Jamie Oleksiak,” Kypreos stated. “I would take that blue line to the next level.”
While the idea of moving a perennial 90-point player like Nylander is polarizing, Kypreos argues that acquiring a minute-munching offensive defenseman like Montour paired with the massive physical presence of “The Big Rig” Oleksiak would finally give the Leafs a championship-caliber back end.
Why Trading William Nylander for Defense Remains the Ultimate Taboo
If you have followed the Maple Leafs for more than five minutes, you know the narrative: The Leafs have all the skill in the world up front but lack the “true” number-one defensive presence required to go deep in the playoffs. Kypreos’ suggestion to move Nylander is not new—he has long argued that the team needs to sacrifice scoring for stability—but targeting the Seattle Kraken is a fascinating twist.
This trade proposal is a classic “hockey trade” that addresses specific needs but hurts emotionally.
From an expert perspective, here is why this is gaining traction:
The Montour Factor: Brandon Montour brings a chaotic but highly effective energy. He can quarterback a power play, skate miles, and drags his team into the fight. He isn’t just a defenseman; he is an engine.
The Size of Oleksiak: You cannot teach size. Jamie Oleksiak is a giant who makes the playoffs miserable for opposing forwards. The Leafs have often been accused of being too easy to play against. Adding Oleksiak solves that overnight.
The Cap Reality: Moving Nylander’s massive contract clears the deck, but taking back two significant contracts from Seattle requires financial gymnastics.
However, the counter-argument raised in the transcript is valid: Would Seattle even do this? Montour is viewed as a “heart and soul” player for the Kraken. Furthermore, trading two top-four defensemen for one winger—even one as talented as Nylander—could leave the Kraken’s own blue line decimated.
“They won’t trade him. He’s their heart and soul,” was the rebuttal during the segment on the Real Kyper & Bourne show.
Ultimately, this comes down to philosophy. Do you win with elite offense outpacing your mistakes (The Nylander Model), or do you win by making your blue line impenetrable (The Kypreos Model)? Kypreos believes the Leafs may have already won a Cup if they had made a move like this years ago. It’s a bold claim, but looking at the current state of the Leafs’ defense, it’s a debate worth having.
Latest Toronto Maple Leafs News
Stay ahead of the curve with the absolute latest Toronto Maple Leafs news and trade rumors. If you think you know who will top the charts this year, prove it! Join our Fantasy Hockey Pool for a chance to win cash prizes and track the NHL point leaders 2025-26 directly on our site. Make sure to add nhltraderumor.com to your bookmarks today and never miss a beat on the trade market.