Auston Matthews trade talk was noise, but here's what a real return could get the Leafs
Auston Matthews was never going to be traded this deadline, but Elliotte Friedman reveals a deal isn't impossible, but don't count on it.
Even with a difficult season for the Toronto Maple Leafs that seems to be going the way as one of their most depressing, the last thing Leafs fans want to hear about is the future of captain Auston Matthews, but Sportsnet did just that.
On 'Saturday Headlines', Friedman spoke on the potential of Auston Matthews leaving, noting that Matthews had a near zero chance of being dealt at the trade deadline on Friday, but that the Leafs will speak with Matthews in the offseason to make sure both sides are on the same page.
Elliotte Friedman speaks on Auston Matthews' future as a Maple Leaf
Despite Ron MacLean attempting to create potential doubt on the future of Auston Matthews as Toronto Maple Leaf, Elliotte Friedman quickly shut that possibility down.
First of all, 0.0% chance was getting dealt at the deadline, but I think at the end of the season they're going to sit down and have a conversation with them. It might actually not be right at the end of the year, they might wait a little bit to see how everything unfolds and what they decide to do and where they stand and where everything is going.
But you know, the one thing that a couple people remind me of this week was he signed his current extension in August of 2023, but it was two years before he could even hit unrestricted free agency.
The Maple Leafs went down to meet with him in the summer, and like the one thing that he told them at that time as long as it didn't go off the rails he was staying, and the one thing that they feel very comfortable as an organization is that Matthews will not in any way put them in a bad spot. - Elliotte Friedman (via Saturday Headlines)
But you know, the one thing that a couple people remind me of this week was he signed his current extension in August of 2023, but it was two years before he could even hit unrestricted free agency.
The Maple Leafs went down to meet with him in the summer, and like the one thing that he told them at that time as long as it didn't go off the rails he was staying, and the one thing that they feel very comfortable as an organization is that Matthews will not in any way put them in a bad spot. - Elliotte Friedman (via Saturday Headlines)
Friedman added an even more important note, that reveals the one thing Leafs fans will want to hear. Even as the season goes far from the way anyone in Toronto would have liked, Matthews is not indicating he's going to leave.
If there's any reason to think that there's anything negative going on here in terms of his future, he's going to let them know. And, but right now at this point in time, I don't think he's giving them any indication that he's unhappy or wants to go anywhere.
What an Auston Matthews trade looks like for Toronto
What a Toronto Maple Leafs trade looks like for Auston Matthews, the Leafs front office likely doesn't want to know.
A trade for Auston Matthews would perhaps net the Leafs something similar to the Mikko Rantanen trade, which included two first round picks, two thirds, and Logan Stankoven.
Toronto would almost surely want a top-six, or more specifically a top-line center in return, and a young one at that, someone a bit better and more mature than a Stankoven.
One team that perhaps could make sense for the California native is the Los Angeles Kings. Quinton Byfield is a big, two-way forward who will inherit the #1C spot after the retirement of likely Hall of Famer Anze Kopitar.
Does either team accept a deal involving Matthews for Byfield, Brandt Clarke, and a first, perhaps? That may be how a deal aligns, but it doesn't make sense for either side, L.A. giving up much needed youth with an aging roster heading out.
Fellow California team Anaheim has also been speculated. Like L.A., they have a highly promising center in Mason McTavish. A deal could look like McTavish, defenseman Tristan Luneau, and two firsts.
This deal looks a bit more realistic than the theorized Kings trade, but is still one that is far from perfect for Toronto, and it could be the fact that Matthews is being dealt.
It's why a trade for Matthews is hard to perceive. Not only is it hard to fathom even with the Leafs record, but there's a lack of assets as well.
Auston Matthews does not appear to be leaving any time soon, and thankfully for Toronto Maple Leafs fans they don't have to worry as much every time it becomes a debate this offseason.
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| POLL | ||
MARS 8|993 ANSWERS Auston Matthews trade talk was noise, but here's what a real return could get the Leafs Do you see Auston Matthews asking the Leafs for a trade? | ||
| Yes | 701 | 70.6 % |
| No | 292 | 29.4 % |
| List of polls | ||