Has William Nylander become an expendable asset in Toronto?

The Maple Leafs' top line is the best in hockey. As a duo, Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner have a combined 120 points since January 15th, and the next pair isn't particularly close either. In addition, there is also Calder Trophy candidate Michael Bunting on the left-wing. Some have been yelling to switch Nylander and Marner around in the top 6, but with the top line proving to be the best in the league right now; how can you really consider it?

Tavares and Nylander on the 2nd line haven't been as productive in 2022. Stylistically, I do not think they meshed well together most of the time and I don't feel as though compliment each other all that well. Since Tavares has been paired with Kerfoot and Mikheyev; both two-way speedsters, not only has that eased the defensive responsibility from Tavares, but offensively, his new wingers have complimented his slot game much better than Nylander did.

The 3rd line of Mikheyev, Engvall and Kampf has been an absolutely dominant shutdown line. They have picked up their physical play, they all play on the penalty kill, they are all tenacious on the forecheck and have all proven to be goal-scoring threats - Engvall and Mikheyev moreso than Kampf. Despite taking most faceoffs in the defensive zone, they spend 70% of their time in the offensive zone. How do you break these guys up when they are the best 3rd line we have had in a long time?

It is a waste to put a $7 million player on that third line or on the fourth line with two of Blackwell, Simmonds, or Spezza. In the last several games we have bulked up the fourth line with Clifford, Simmonds, and Blackwell/Spezza and it has added the extra sense of security for Leaf fans to know that there is the muscle on the ice. They need to create energy and be responsible. Unfortunately, Nylander doesn't fit the style of 4th line we would all like to see.

So, this begs the question, where does Nylander fit? Our best players fit better and play better with other players. The 3rd line has been dominant, the 4th line has been roughhousing and Leafs fans love it. We are seeing consistency within the whole group, with the only outlier really being which line should Nylander call home. Nylander is an exceptional player, but I feel more questions regarding his future are appearing the further into the season we get and that perhaps trading him either for pure futures or for an upgrade elsewhere in the lineup could be the right move. I like Nylander, personally. I hope he is not traded, but a big part of me wonders if a big move is coming to this offseason in Toronto.