NHL Trade Rumors: Calgary Flames lining up more for William Nylander trade

William Nylander of the Toronto Maple Leafs may be traded to the Calgary Flames, according to reports. This comes in light of Flames defenseman Noah Hanifin's recent declaration that he has no interest in signing a long-term contract with Calgary.

So it stands to reason that a swap between Nylander and Hanifin might be in the works. Reports suggest that Mikael Backlund and Hanifin could be traded for Nylander, with the Calgary Flames keeping 50% of the salary.

It's important to note that Nylander has demanded a $10 million annual average salary. As a result, Toronto Maple Leafs general manager Brad Treliving will have difficulty choosing between the prospective deal and its financial ramifications in the coming weeks.

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William Nylander’s professional hockey career

William Nylander, the eighth overall pick in the 2014 NHL Entry Draft, agreed to a three-year entry-level contract with the Toronto Maple Leafs on August 18, 2014. He made a strong first impression by tallying a goal against the Philadelphia Flyers in a preseason game.

At the 2015 World Junior Ice Hockey Championship, he displayed his potential by placing fifth in tournament scoring, an impressive accomplishment given that he did not play for Team Canada.

Nylander was transferred to the Toronto Marlies, the Maple Leafs' American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate, in order to advance his development. He put forth an outstanding effort despite joining the AHL team midway through the season, tallying 32 points in 37 games while predominantly playing as a right winger. He helped the Marlies earn a spot in the 2015 Calder Cup playoffs.

Nylander made his NHL debut against the Tampa Bay Lightning on Feb. 29, 2016. He scored his first NHL goal on March 5, 2016, with Andrew Hammond of the Ottawa Senators in the opposing goal. Brooks Laich, who helped Nylander's father, Michael, on his final NHL goal, provided the assist for William's first-ever NHL goal.

In 521 NHL appearances, Nylander has netted 177 goals and accumulated over 400 points across eight seasons.