Trading Auston Matthews might be how the Maple Leafs actually build around Gavin McKenna

Gavin McKenna is the centrepiece of the Maple Leafs for the next decade, but he's going to need support in order to find success. Auston Matthews is still deciding where he wants to play. If Toronto decides to commit to their new franchise player, then trading their current one is the best way to set him up to succeed.

As the days count down to the 2026 NHL Draft, the hype surrounding Gavin McKenna is growing more and more. Almost a sure lock to be selected by Toronto first overall, he's going to be the face of the franchise for the next decade-plus and could very well be their own version of Connor McDavid.

But as much as he's a priority, so is their current captain's demands. Auston Matthews wants to see some real action and holds all the cards. He has a no-movement clause, only a couple years left and getting tired of not having enough support; it's going to be hard to navigate all these facets while also making sure that you're remaining competitive.

So what if the team were to just cut ties with him instead? I know it's crazy, but let's break down and make a case for both trading and keeping Auston Matthews.

With McKenna as the generational centrepiece of the team, Matthews could be used to spark a youth movement that not only makes Toronto a lot faster and younger, but they barely lose that competitive edge.

Take a team like Los Angeles for example. A trade for Matthews may include both Quinton Byfield and Brandt Clarke, not to mention other pieces like draft assets or prospects. Those two would instantly give Toronto a young under-25 core of McKenna and Byfield to complement Easton Cowan, Matthew Knies, and Ben Danford.

Matthews is 29 in September and while that isn't exactly old, you're replacing him with guys who are 18-23 years old. Five years is no small amount of time in the NHL, and with them not in their prime yet and Matthews on the outset of it; it may be time to cut ties.

Plus at his current deal of $13.25-million, we don't know how much that is going to appreciate or depreciate. If he turns into his old form then it's a steal, but it means Toronto is paying out the nose in 2028, but if he regresses and injuries catch up to him, it's going to be a really dead deal to move.

Matthews still gets a great lineup to work with, and it's not like LA immediately becomes the worst team in the league. Far from it, as they still have Adrian Kempe, Alex Laferriere, Artemi Panarin and Kevin Fiala; it's still going to be hard to beat them especially with Matthews in the fold.

From day one we as Maple Leafs fans were clamouring for the day Matthews would lead them to the Stanley Cup. It hasn't happened, but he has figured out the first step. As captain he has a bit of learning to do when it comes to vocalizing his feelings, but on and off the ice he's a true leader.

The past two seasons have been completely robbing Matthews of a full season where he can dictate the locker room and frankly he deserves a shot at redemption. His team let him down yes, but Matthews is playing for the crest, not his buddies. Whoever is around him becomes teammates and friends, and it's time to get him a new supporting case.

He's a natural leader on the ice and hit elite two-way play can genuinely shift the course of a game. But he can't do it on his own, and in order for him to lead a group to success - he needs one to begin with.

It starts by giving him a blueline that is more than capable of not only leaving their own end but also providing him that extra offensive help. Whether it be a playmaking defender or someone with a blistering point shot, he needs the assistance. It's about getting faster, smarter, and better overall.

He clearly wants to stay in Toronto and is willing to give the team as much time to get things figured out as possible. There needs to be a new head coach sorted out but that's well under way and John Chayka is giving Matthews the action he needs.

With a roster retooling, a proper head coach, and perhaps a bit of extra motivation to prove he's still got it; Auston Matthews cannot only be a leader for Toronto - but a winner as well.

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