Insider reveals that Nylander may be more likely to be traded following hot start

Ahead of the season, the Leafs had been trying to sign Nylander to an extension, but have ultimately found themselves at an impasse with Nylander's camp and the longer the stalemate goes, the more likely it is that Nylander could be dealt, according to TSN's Darren Dreger, who was a guest on TSN1050's OverDrive last week.

Dreger did not disagree with his colleague Chris Johnston's report in The Athletic a couple of weeks ago that there is a 90 percent chance Nylander re-signs with the Leafs, but suggested Nylander's mentality may switch to, "I want to make big money because I've earned the right to see what that market is going to show me", which could make negotiations much tougher and force the Leafs into an uncomfortable territory in terms of dollar amount.

Nylander stated at the beginning of the season that he was open to negotiating a new deal during the season, but the longer the deal takes to put together and the longer Nylander continues to play the way he has started the season, it could push the Leafs to either trade Nylander or sacrifice another player with a significant cap hit to keep the 27-year-old. Prior to the season, the Leafs were comfortable with signing Nylander to an 8-year extension somewhere under $9M per season while Nylander had been seeking $10M+ per season.

With the way he has begun the season, it is almost imperative that the Leafs come to a decision sooner rather than later when it comes to Nylander, but should they let him walk or deal him because he is too expensive? Or do they sacrifice another player with significant money to keep him? That's the million dollar question.