Ehlers is the weak link compared to what? Are you trying to say that Ehlers is noticeably worse than Nylander?
Obviously, I see Ehlers play more than I see Nylander. So, maybe I'm focused more on the things I dislike about Ehlers, which I've previously expressed. But point wise they are pretty close, and being a center, Nylander offers more versatility than a pure winger. So yes, I would rather have Nylander than Ehlers. If the Jets traded Ehlers for Nylander, I would be ecstatic. I realize that probably puts me in the minority here, but so be it.
Connor had a very good rookie season, but let's see if he can follow that up. Marner has had two very good seasons, so I think he gets the edge.
Matthews is just flat out better than Laine already, and likely has a higher ceiling. I don't see how anyone can argue otherwise, and I'm a... well, see username. Laine is a great PP sniper, his ability to setup others with great scoring opportunities often gets overlooked, and he puts in the effort to play a defensively responsible game, and that will get better. Still, I take elite center over elite winger every day.
To me, it all adds up to having a preference for the Leafs trio.