08 Sep 2026 15:21:42
Would you guys trade Willy for the Protas brothers? Would WSH do it?

1.) 08 Sep 2026
08 Sep 2026 13:57:08
Awesome question Gary.
You got Aliaksai, a big left shot top 9 winger already and Ilya, a big left shot centre, possibly a #2C if he continues development.
I'd probably say yes as is, but if we could get them to throw in a defensive prospect as well (Chesley) I'd be in.

2.) 08 Sep 2026
08 Sep 2026 13:58:28
I wouldn't unless Mathews is leaving as well. That's a full rebuild move.

I also don't think WSH needs anymore top 6 wingers.

3.) 08 Sep 2026
08 Sep 2026 19:41:28
LL, I don't see it as a rebuild. Aliaksai is 25 and just put up a 25 goal 52 point season with only 1 pp point and 3 PK points including 2 goals. He is very good defensively, but still put up points and mostly 5 on 5 (48). Willy only had 57 ev points himself last season. Add to that Ilya is only 20, has a higher ceiling and is coming off an almost point per game season in the AHL and had 4 points in 4 games at the NHL level while being given a mostly defensive role and playing centre.


AP is at $3.375M for 3 years and IP is still on his entry level. Cap space would be really good for Toronto to have.
Of course it is all moot as the Leafs don't have the contract space available and the Caps don't have the cap space.

4.) 09 Sep 2026
08 Sep 2026 20:59:49
I think 11m for Nylander for the next few years is a better use of the money once the Portas brothers make a combined 18-20m when at its next contract.

5.) 09 Sep 2026
08 Sep 2026 22:17:43
I would do it in a heartbeat. I agree with RLF. Those brothers are both very responsible defensively and a force offensively as well. I don’t think Washington, though, would give up a power winger and a player that will in a few years be their number 1 Centre. Ilya. A lot of people think he would be rookie of the year if Washington was not so deep.

So he may get more 4th line minutes that he should, which would hurt him in the ballots. As far as them potentially earning 18-20, I think that will be low for them. I would still dump Willy, though, for landing 2 large bodies that have silky smooth hands and not afraid of that area know. As the crease and the slot.

6.) 09 Sep 2026
09 Sep 2026 15:27:28
No chance Capitals give up both bros for Nylander. Willy is a point producer but those 2 guys are beasts and way younger. Forget it.

7.) 10 Sep 2026
10 Sep 2026 07:56:31
Washington has done such a great job managing their roster that they don’t have to make a deal like this