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Insider drops blockbuster trade proposal involving Auston Matthews & the Los Angeles Kings
Photo credit: Kyle Ross-Imagn Images
Toronto Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews has struggled this season, and it has led to mock trade proposals from connected insiders like Nick Kypreos.
The Toronto Maple Leafs are currently in last place in the Eastern Conference, so you can imagine just how insane the discourse around the team has gotten as of late.
On Monday, there were all sorts of rumors that head coach Craig Berube would end up getting traded. Of course, that never happened. Instead, the team fired assistant Marc Savard.
Now, the team is looking to make some moves involving their roster. They need to improve, and with the New Year on the horizon, there is a newfound sense of desperation.
However, there are some insiders and analysts out there who simply cannot help themselves. They want to see general manager Brad Treliving blow things up and move out the core in order to make way for a rebuild.
Nick Kypreos suggests Auston Matthews to the Los Angeles Kings
On 'The Real Kyper & Bourne,' Nick Kypreos made the claim that if the Leafs were to trade a player like Auston Matthews, the Los Angeles Kings would make the most sense.
Auston Matthews to the LA Kings is the play... They've got Kopitar leaving and they need somebody.
In Kypreos' mind, the Maple Leafs could get two roster players and a first-round pick for Matthews. A couple of years ago, they would have gotten a whole lot more, but with his current production, there is no doubt he is less valuable than before.
Auston Matthews' struggles date back to last season
Last season, Auston Matthews had 33 goals in 67 games and 45 assists for 78 points. However, this season, the captain has just 23 points in 30 games, including 14 goals and nine assists.
These numbers simply aren't good enough for someone who is supposed to be carrying the team on his back, all while making $13.25 million per season.
The Leafs are in dire straits, and they cannot afford to have Matthews play like this when the stakes are so high. Something is going to have to change, and fast.