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Maple Leafs trade Auston Matthews for former 2nd overall pick in blockbuster proposal
Photo credit: Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images
Toronto Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews is at the center of numerous trade rumors right now, and the San Jose Sharks could very well be the perfect partner.
Auston Matthews was one of the top three players in the NHL just a couple of seasons ago. Now, he is barely the top three players on the Toronto Maple Leafs.
It's been a sad state of affairs for the Leafs captain, and it has led to all sorts of speculation about what could be next for him.
There are some analysts out there who suspect that Matthews could be the subject of a trade if things don't get any better, and the Leafs begin to get impatient.
In a new article for Sportsnet, Ryan Dixon gave his predictions for 2026, and as it turns out, one of them involves a Matthews trade.
Auston Matthews for Michael Misa?
This prediction involves Matthews going to the San Jose Sharks in exchange for a large package that includes Michael Misa, 2025's second overall pick.
After missing the playoffs by two points, the Leafs will have a cards-on-the-table talk with captain Auston Matthews that results in him being dealt to the Sharks for a package built around Michael Misa.
It is very unlikely that the Toronto Maple Leafs actually do this; however, stranger things have certainly happened in the NHL.
If you are a Leafs fan, you can't help but hope that Matthews eventually finds his rhythm and proves that he can still be an elite NHL talent.
Until then, the Maple Leafs are in some big trouble. You can't pay a guy $13.25 million per season and not have him be your best player.
With the second half of the NHL season on the horizon, it will be fascinating to see if Matthews still has the ability to be one of the best players in the league.
| POLL | ||
DECEMBRE 31 | 351 ANSWERS Maple Leafs trade Auston Matthews for former 2nd overall pick in blockbuster proposal Do you believe Auston Matthews should be traded by the Toronto Maple Leafs? | ||
| YES | 180 | 51.3 % |
| NO | 171 | 48.7 % |
| List of polls | ||