Auston Matthews trade rumors: NHL insider Elliotte Friedman hints at the Toronto Maple Leafs’ major offseason trade decision on Auston Matthews | nhl news
As trade rumors regarding Auston Matthews have dominated and gained momentum in recent weeks, NHL insider Elliotte Friedman recently gave a hint at the Toronto Maple Leafs’ big offseason trade decision. Speculation has run rampant these days as the club made significant organizational changes this week, including the dismissal of GM Brad Treliving, while head coach Craig Berube also remains uncertain with the team.Previously, NHL insider Darren Dreger suggested that top NHL teams such as the San Jose Sharks and Utah Mammoth have emerged as potential trade fits for Matthews if the Maple Leafs star decides to move on. Meanwhile, Matthews is in his recovery period after he suffered a Grade 3 MCL tear and quad injury during a knee-on collision with Anaheim Ducks defenseman Radko Gudas. It should be noted that, until his injury, Matthews had 53 points (27 goals, 26 assists) in 77 games this season for the Maple Leafs (32-31-14).
Elliotte Friedman hints at big offseason changes for the Maple Leafs on Auston Matthews trade decision
NHL insider Elliotte Friedman has indicated that the Toronto Maple Leafs are headed for a potentially transformative offseason, with significant roster and organization changes expected after a disappointing 2025-26 campaign. Maple Leafs captain, Auston MatthewsTrade speculation has dominated the headlines as the team misses the playoffs for the first time in a decade. Elliotte Friedman said Auston Matthews’ future with the Toronto Maple Leafs is not yet finalized and could depend on how the team performs at the start of next season. Speaking on his April 3 episode of 32 Thoughts, he said, “That’s my theory, that’s totally my theory based on what I’ve heard this week, is they will tell him, ‘We’re back on track next year or trying to be,’ and will come back at the beginning of the year, and see how it goes.”” Friedman said.
He further cited the example of the Vancouver Canucks’ handling of Quinn Hughes, who waited for his season to be evaluated before trading Hughes to the Minnesota Wild in early December, a move that ultimately signaled the beginning of a rebuild after their season was derailed.“Like, I think the Quinn Hughes thing, every player in that league, every team in that league saw how the Quinn Hughes thing went this year,” Friedman said. “And that is, you start the year, you see how it goes, and then if it goes off track, you adjust as necessary,” Friedman said. He added, “We’ll see. I could be wrong about this. But that’s my theory right now.”It should be noted that Matthews will remain on a four-year contract through the 2027-28 season. However, his absolute no-movement clause gives him complete control over any possible move without his consent or decision.