Auston Matthews has full veto power over any trade and these are the only teams he'd realistically waive for
Photo credit: Eric Bolte-Imagn Images
Auston Matthews holds all the power if he wants to be traded, however there are two teams that make a lot of sense for him both from a financial and competitive standpoint if he ever decides to leave.
While a trade involving Matthews doesn't seem like a reality for the Maple Leafs as he is committed to seeing things through, if the team doesn't improve in the next few years -- he may have second thoughts.
How Matthews' no-movement clause works
But with a full no-movement clause, Matthews is in control of his own fate. That clause prevents him from being traded, or waived without approval though he could do so based off a few factors:
- Tax Implications
- Personal Connection
- Competitive Status
- Market
- Personal Connection
- Competitive Status
- Market
Tax implications simply mean where can Matthews make the most money without limitations. If he were to join a team in a state with a low or zero income tax then he could earn his entire $13.25-million salary; plus not deal with the Canadian exchange as well.
The personal connection would give credence to adding team like Minnesota as a potential destination because of players like Matt Boldy, Brock Faber, Quinn Hughes -- fellow Americans he had success with this past Olympics.
Competitive is pretty straightforward, as it's the level of compete that the team has to give Matthews the best chance to succeed and win the Cup.
Market is a little more complex but mainly deals with the media, fans, and the hockey market in general. For example, Toronto is a gigantic hockey market; Arizona was not.
Why Florida checks every box for Matthews
Matthews requesting a deal to the Panthers would be a shot right in the heart of Maple Leafs fans especially knowing the history between the two clubs.
From a player standpoint it makes a lot of sense.
As Florida is a zero-tax state, can offer a competitive team even if this year is a down one, he has that connection with Matthew Tkachuk who is one of his best friends, and since their success the team has become a place where fans want to go.
Plus, knowing that he was bumped out of the playoffs twice by the Panthers might lead to a 'if you can't beat 'em' attitude which might give the Maple Leafs captain the idea to head south.
What they would have to give up would likely include a vast majority of their core and while a massive haul -- this is Auston Matthews after all and the money and value needs to be there.
Why Dallas is the dark horse no one is talking about
Shifting gears to the Wild West, Dallas would also offer Matthews a zero-tax situation, with a competitive window on par or potentially longer than Florida's.
He still has that connection to the US with Jake Oettinger and Thomas Harley but is also surrounded by talent like Mikko Rantanen and Wyatt Johnston which also heavily helps his competitive window.
Jason Robertson would be one of the pieces coming back, and other young pieces like Mavrik Bourque, Lian Bichsel, plus a prospect like Emil Hemming, and Dallas' first-rounder, and we will go deeper into a potential trade down the line, so be on the lookout.
Unlike Florida, they are a much younger team which could expand their window even longer so there could be an advantage that the Stars hold over the Panthers especially since Matthews is reaching 30.
Whether that's Florida or Dallas, it comes down to which team can provide Matthews the best chance to finally win.
Also read on Hockey Patrol :
Maple Leafs rejected Montreal Canadiens' trade offer for Matthew Knies: 'It's a business'
Maple Leafs rejected Montreal Canadiens' trade offer for Matthew Knies: 'It's a business'
Previously on Hockey Patrol
| POLL | ||
MARS 11|808 ANSWERS Auston Matthews has full veto power over any trade and these are the only teams he'd realistically waive for Which team would you prefer Auston Matthews choose to play besides Toronto? | ||
| Dallas | 269 | 33.3 % |
| Florida | 97 | 12 % |
| Other | 442 | 54.7 % |
| List of polls | ||