Coyotes star responds to rumours that he was almost traded to the Leafs
Rumours have been swirling all summer regarding William Nylander, who has been eligible to sign an extension since July 1st. One of those trade rumours that had made the rounds earlier in the summer involved Nylander being traded to Arizona for 25-year-old Clayton Keller. Keller, who is a former first round pick himself, is in the fourth year of an 8-year deal that will see him earn $7.15M per season over the remainder of his contract. The rumour, however, was debunked by Keller himself when he joined the PHNX Coyotes Show on Phoenix Sports recently.
"Have you demanded a trade? Is the Nylander for Keller rumour true? Can we finally put that to rest?" Keller was asked.
"(Chuckles) Yeah no that's not true. I'm just focused on myself and the team here and I just love this group of guys and this is where I want to be right now," responded Keller.
"(Chuckles) Yeah no that's not true. I'm just focused on myself and the team here and I just love this group of guys and this is where I want to be right now," responded Keller.
It shouldn't come as a surprise to anyone that the rumour was just that - a rumour - and there were no such discussions taking place, at least none that Keller was aware of. A Keller for Nylander swap may have been one of the few trade offers that may have been an acceptable one for the Leafs, as Keller had registered 37 goals and 86 points last season, compared to Nylander's 40 goals and 87 points.
Without a contract and just a few days away from the beginning of training camp, we shouldn't be surprised if we continuously hear trade rumours surrounding the 27-year-old throughout the season, or until he signs an extension - even though Leafs GM Brad Treliving already confirmed that his plan is to sign Nylander. Both sides seem comfortable playing out the season without an extension if it comes to that, but I'm sure the Leafs would like to get one done sooner rather than later to avoid the inevitable distraction.
| POLL | ||
SEPTEMBRE 12 | 407 ANSWERS Coyotes star responds to rumours that he was almost traded to the Leafs Who will have the better season in 2023-24 between William Nylander and Clayton Keller? | ||
| Nylander | 255 | 62.7 % |
| Keller | 78 | 19.2 % |
| They'll have comparable seasons | 74 | 18.2 % |
| List of polls | ||
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