In a move that surprised fans, the Toronto Maple Leafs pulled the reins on their Swedish star player, William Nylander. The Leafs' commanded him to come back to Canada after going to Europe for the World Championship.
Having tasted a bitter defeat in the second playoff round against the Florida Panthers, a couple of Leafs' players wanted to take part in the WC. Among these were Nylander and his Swedish compatriot, Timothy Liljegren. The world championship offered a fantastic opportunity for them to wear Sweden's colours on the ice.
Intriguingly, the Leafs let Liljegren participate in the world championship, while Nylander was called back. Is this just a coincidence or related to a bigger plan?
This move suggests a strategic decision made by the Leafs to protect their player. With Nylander sidelined from the world championship, the Leafs successfully minimize the risk of an injury that could possibly lower his trade value.
Another interesting element in this decision might be Nylander's impending modified no-trade clause, due to activate this summer. Could this be the real reason for Nylander's unexpected summoning back to Canada? If a trade is in the process, executing it before his NTC goes active would undoubtedly make things less complicated.
