What's really driving the latest William Nylander trade noise

The Toronto Maple Leafs have been on a tear right now, winning six of their last eight games and sitting only one spot out of a playoff spot. While that isn't saying much given how tight the standings are, compared to where they were less than a month ago; it's a big turnaround.

But the thing is, they've done it without their leading scorer. William Nylander has been out since Dec. 27, and while he was day-to-day, that basically ensured fans wouldn't see him for a little bit.

He's set to make his return to the ice on Saturday against Vancouver, and while it's not a guarantee, he is lining up on the second line in practice and all signs point to a return.

Whether that throws a wrench into their chemistry or not remains to be seen, but for one analyst he could hold the key to improving Toronto's blueline; especially with how hot they've been.

Nick Kypreos, never shy about offering his unique take on the Maple Leafs, decided to throw some fuel onto a potential Nylander trade, explaining he would see if the superstar forward could be used to help improve the backend:

Seattle is in a bit of a weird spot. They are actually doing quite well this season despite having a roster that sits near the bottom of the league in goals scored, but are preventing goals at a high rate.

They need a superstar and Nylander gives them that no doubt. He immediately becomes their most dangerous player and can grow alongside Matty Beniers and Shane Wright; leading them into superstardom.

But it does come with a caveat for the Kraken as they would need to ensure they can cover Nylander's $11.5-million contract. Yes they have some free agents coming up but they include mainstays like Jordan Eberle and Jaden Schwartz not to mention Eeli Tolvanen just settling into his prime.

Toronto could certainly use some of Seattle's defensive acumen as they are not only dealing with injuries but could use some more awareness and stability.

Montour would immediately be a top-four presence and should usurp Morgan Rielly as the #1, but also comes with a $7-million cap hit and also 31; it's just a better Rielly.

Oleksiak would be a replacement for a Simon Benoit/Philippe Myers and gives Toronto a replacement over Chris Tanev; who is potentially out for the year.

But they can't just give away Nylander for a 31-year old on a Rielly-level deal (with injury issues), a 33-year old pending free agent and nothing more.

So here's how the deal could turn out for the Maple Leafs and Kraken:

To Toronto:

(D) Jamie Oleksiak
(D) Brandon Montour (25% retention)
(F) Jared McCann

To Seattle:

(F) William Nylander

This isn't any player, it's a bonafide superstar who is beloved by fans and as engrained into the fabric of the culture of the team than anyone. Not only are you handicapping yourself offensively, but the fan backlash would be astronomical.

Toronto needs to get some type of offensive player back, and even if it's Jared McCann, that would give them a 2C to play alongside John Tavares who would slide to the wing.

They shore up their defense even if they don't solve their age, speed, or injury concerns and it's certainly helpful but not guaranteed. If Nylander is that bad and it causes your team to collapse then perhaps it's worth entertaining.

There very well could be a world where Toronto trades Nylander, misses out on Connor McDavid in two years, and also lose Auston Matthews; for a couple of defenders who might help them now.

Things have been fairly quiet for the Maple Leafs thanks to a hot streak where it feels like they can do no wrong.

But the moment that stops is when the noise is going to pick up, and Nylander might be the catalyst to starting -- and stopping -- that chatter.

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