Toronto Maple Leafs superstar Auston Matthews has not asked for a trade, which makes him stand out from his Team USA co-stars.
Connor Hellebuyck publicly confirmed Thursday that he requested a trade from Winnipeg months ago, making him the latest prominent Team USA star to seek or ultimately get a change of scenery.
Meanwhile, Matthews stands out as the one player who hasn't done that yet, even with the Maple Leafs' struggles becoming a point of contention throughout the offseason.
Four Team USA stars reached the point where staying was no longer the plan
Starting with Quinn Hughes, he was traded back in December as the defenseman had made it clear to the Vancouver Canucks that he wanted out.
Subsequently, this Summer, Brady Tkachuk and the Ottawa Senators mutually agreed that it was time for a change. This subsequently led to him being traded to the Florida Panthers.
As for Dylan Larkin and Connor Hellebuyck, they have made very public trade requests. Hellebuyck's was announced recently on August 27.
While all of these players played for Team USA, the timeline makes it clear that the Olympics were not the reason for these moves. Instead, it just shows that American players are getting bolder about dictating where they want to play.
Auston Matthews is increasingly the exception among the American stars from that Olympic core who faced major franchise decisions.
Why Matthews hasn't asked and what 2028 changes
Auston Matthews has had plenty of opportunities to leave the Maple Leafs over the years, but he has always chosen to stick around.
The Leafs have built around him, while also giving him franchise status and the captaincy. He also got a massive contract, and he has history with the franchise, which has kept him around.
Matthews' contract will expire at the end of the 2027-28 season. The longer the Leafs go without a meaningful playoff run, the louder the questions will get about his commitment.
Does Toronto give him enough reason to sign again before his choice becomes imminent?
Matthews has been the exception so far, and the 2028 clock is when Toronto finds out whether or not he plans to be one for the future.
Do you believe Auston Matthews will ask for a trade from the Toronto Maple Leafs?
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