As a fan of neither team nor either player, I’m not sure why Toronto is adding. I’m also not sure why Toronto would even do this. Columbus should but Toronto? No. This isn’t the player I’d want for Nylander.
Toronto is adding because Laine is one of the best scorers in the league. He is having the worst slump of his career, but is still a RFA. William has 3yrs until UFA , Laine can be signed longterm at a good contract if he is a fit. And if he would fit in with Matthews and marner, they could have the best line in the NHL.
There is many "IF:s", but this is a gamble that could put Leafs over the top. Nylander wont do that. It can ofcourse also backfire, but is there actually anything to loose. Marner, Matthews, Tavares and Rielly is the core.
"No this isnt the player I`d want for Nylander" - 2 months back everyone would swap Nylander for Laine. HF has a very short memory. It`s like the last 3 games. Laine has talent to be exceptional - Nylander hasnt. Still to be seen if Laine gets there. Nylander wont - He will always be good though, Laine could be exceptional or then fade away.