Top NHL Insider Claims Auston Matthews Trade is Not Off the Table for the Maple Leafs
Toronto Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews hasn't always been what the franchise has hoped, especially in the postseason, and one NHL insider has a drastic solution.
Auston Matthews is one of the best players in the NHL when healthy, however, his performance in the playoffs has left a lot to be desired for Leafs fans.
Overall, he has struggled in recent years whenever the postseason comes along. This is especially true in the second round, where he has just one goal in 11 games.
After a Game 7 disaster against the Florida Panthers on Sunday, the discourse around the captain has certainly gone off the deep end.
There are numerous hot takes going around, and there are also some theories pertaining to how the front office and general manager Brad Treliving feel about him.
Auston Matthews & the Toronto Maple Leafs
For instance, in a new piece by Frank Seravalli, it was reported that Auston Matthews could be traded. While the Leafs aren't leaning towards that position, it is still an option that remains on their radar.
"It's admittedly very unlikely that Toronto would move on from Matthews - and his no-movement clause would limit their control," Seravalli explained. "But how many questions or thought exercises should be totally off the table for this Toronto team?"
At this stage, it feels very unlikely that the Toronto Maple Leafs would ever trade Auston Matthews. If they did, it would start a rebuild for the franchise.
In this scenario, John Tavares and Mitch Marner would not be re-signed. Therefore, the team would be left with very few assets.
It is hard to imagine Brad Treliving trying something this drastic. After all, the team just won the Atlantic Division and took the defending champions to seven games.
Hopefully, the Leafs are able to find some viable solutions and improve this roster in time for next season.
| POLL | ||
MAI 21 | 1194 ANSWERS Top NHL Insider Claims Auston Matthews Trade is Not Off the Table for the Maple Leafs Do you believe the Toronto Maple Leafs would ever trade Auston Matthews? | ||
| YES | 755 | 63.2 % |
| NO | 439 | 36.8 % |
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