The Toronto Maple Leafs have had a disappointing year and could make a stunning move or two this year and offseason.
Toronto had hopes of going on a deep playoff run. But the team is currently outside of a playoff spot, having struggled with numerous issues. With that, NHL insider and analyst Ryan Dixon of Sportset predicted the Maple Leafs will trade Auston Matthews in a stunning move.
“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,” Dixon wrote.
The Maple Leafs trading away Matthews would be a stunning move. But if Toronto doesn’t believe in this core anymore, the Maple Leafs would get the most in return for their captain.
A return package headlined by Misa would be a good start. The deal would likely include a first-round pick and other prospects. But Misa could step into the Maple Leafs lineup next year and be a key part of their new core.
Misa was selected second overall in the 2025 NHL Draft. He’s appeared in seven games this season with the Sharks, recording 1 goal and 2 assists for 3 points.
Matthews Has Complicated Relationship With Fans
Although Matthews is the face of the franchise for Toronto, the star forward has a complex relationship with fans.
Matthews has had worse production every year for the past couple, as he has a mystery injury that has hindered his play. But Maple Leafs analyst Luke Fox wrote on Dec. 17 that Matthews and fans are now in the midst of a complex relationship.
“If we read Matthews’ Hullk Hogan-esque hand-to-ear move as a microcosm of his complicated relationship with a frustrated Leafs Nation these days, it’s not the first time that very same motion illustrated where the man was at,” Fox wrote.
“…For reasons not fully understood, Matthews’ current relationship to the fans is, at best, strained. A quick cruise through social media sees No. 34 in the crosshairs of frustration more than ever before.”
Fox believes Matthews’ relationship with Maple Leafs fans is much different, in large part due to his struggles and his words to the media. It showed when he scored a goal at home and put his hand to his ear as there were boo’s raining down before the goal.
Regardless, Fox believes Matthews is now facing plenty of criticism from Leafs fans, and the relationship is strained. Whether or not that leads to a trade is to be seen.
Maple Leafs GM Hasn’t Discussed a Matthews Trade
Toronto has had a difficult season, and Matthews’ name has come up as a potential trade piece.
However, Maple Leafs general manager Brad Treliving shut down any trade rumors, saying Matthews hasn’t asked for a trade. He also said he hasn’t approached Matthews about potentially waiving his no-trade clause.
“Auston has not asked for a trade,” Treliving said on Dec. 23.
Matthews is in the second year of his four-year, $53 million deal. He’s recorded 15 goals and 12 assists for 27 points in 33 games this season.
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