The scrutinized Auston Matthews mock trade to the Flyers for Trevor Zegras and Oliver Bonk is a Leafs lifeline
Photo credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images
Auston Matthews isn't sure about whether or not he trusts in the Maple Leafs. That's led to a huge trade package online that's received a lot of ridicule but there is a method behind the madness.
With news that Auston Matthews might not be sticking around past his current contract, that started to lead to a flurry of speculation about whether or not the team would trade him.
Why a desperate Maple Leafs team makes this current trade proposal a lifeline for Toronto
One proposal floating around online is getting a lot of scrutiny as many Maple Leafs fans don't believe that the deal is even worth sniffing in regards to Matthews:
TOR receives:
Owen Tippett/Trevor Zegras
Jett Luchanko
Oliver Bonk
TO 1st in 2027
3rd round pick in 2028 (if Matthews re-signs)
Jett Luchanko
Oliver Bonk
TO 1st in 2027
3rd round pick in 2028 (if Matthews re-signs)
PHI receives:
Auston Matthews (25% retention)
Joseph Woll
Joseph Woll
Now it seems ridiculous to even think of dealing Matthews however with the scary consistency with which he's getting hurt; it may give MLSE come cause for concern.
Fans of the Maple Leafs weren't too pleased either:
But in getting Zegras you're getting a 25-year old who oozes potential and could easily hit the 30-goal plateau consistently as he continues to grow. He isn't as defensive as Matthews, but a new coach may be more keen to run and gun which means less defensive responsibility.
Luchanko is a 19-year old with a relentless motor, blazing speed, two-way potential, and his transitional ability is elite. This is your Matthews replacement for defence albeit one that comes a little later on.
Bonk, 21, is the son of former NHLer Radek Bonk, and a shutdown defender who has elite vision and anticipation, shuts the gap with ease and looking at his OHL career - can also give you a good amount of offensive help too.
Toronto also receives the pick they traded away for Scott Laughton, so that actually helps them out and restocks the cupboard yet again, plus another pick if Matthews re-signs.
This is how you kickstart a rebuild, and bring in a bunch of top-tier prospects as part of the new wave of stars to take over the Maple Leafs.
Why retaining on Matthews is worth the price
Keeping money on Matthews seems ridiculous but it's really only one of the ways that Brad Treliving can maximize not only this deal but any potential future deals down the line.
25% of Matthews' deal equates to only $3,312,500 of a cap hit and only until 2028. That's really not that bad and actually would be a better financial commitment that retaining 50% to move Morgan Rielly.
The issue here is that Woll is being added as well, but that's the cost when you are adding multiple elite prospects, picks, and a bonafide NHL first-liner. Right now he's expendable with Dennis Hildeby and Artur Akhtyamov, plus it's likely Philly would rather have Woll who gets hurt less than Anthony Stolarz.
As much as it sucks to realize, but Matthews is chronically hurt. This is the second time he's had a serious injury this year, couple with last year and prior...he's the definition of a glass cannon.
How many more hits will it take before he's out for good? Toronto can't risk that and end up with nothing in return.
Why is why those who are mocking the trade offer need to realize it's better to lose him for something, than nothing.
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Previously on Hockey Patrol
| POLL | ||
MARS 23|1411 ANSWERS The scrutinized Auston Matthews mock trade to the Flyers for Trevor Zegras and Oliver Bonk is a Leafs lifeline Should Toronto trade Auston Matthews? | ||
| Yes | 925 | 65.6 % |
| No | 486 | 34.4 % |
| List of polls | ||