The idea of trading Auston Matthews, the Toronto Maple Leafs' star center and captain, once considered audacious, is now being seriously discussed as the team struggles to find consistency. While a trade is not currently on the table, the persistent challenges the team faces are forcing a re-evaluation of all options.
One primary factor fueling these discussions is Matthews' availability. Despite his undeniable talent as one of the league's premier goal-scorers, he has struggled with injuries in recent seasons. Last season, he only played 67 games, and this year, a recurring upper-body issue has kept him out of the lineup, with no definitive return date in sight. The team initially hoped he would only be out for a week after being injured on November 11th, but he is expected to be out for at least another week. This pattern of inconsistency raises concerns about his long-term reliability, a critical factor for a team aiming for championship contention.
Beyond Matthews' health, the Maple Leafs' overall performance is contributing to the trade speculation. With a current record of 10-10-3, the team is not meeting expectations, and General Manager Brad Treliving is under pressure to make significant changes. While the team isn't actively shopping superstars, every player below that tier could be available if the right trade came along. This puts immense pressure on the entire roster to perform, as their futures with the team are uncertain.
Financially, trading Matthews could offer the Leafs considerable flexibility. His current contract carries a significant cap hit, and moving that money could allow Treliving to address other roster needs, such as acquiring a puck-moving defenseman or additional forward depth. However, trading a player of Matthews' caliber would undoubtedly require a substantial return, including high-end draft picks and prospects, or established players who can immediately contribute.
Several teams could be interested in acquiring Matthews if the Maple Leafs were to explore a trade. The Boston Bruins are rumored to be interested in Matthews to fill a gap in their top-line center position.
Ultimately, the decision to trade Auston Matthews would be a monumental one with far-reaching consequences for the Maple Leafs. It would signal a significant shift in the team's direction and potentially trigger a rebuild. While his offensive talent is undeniable, the concerns surrounding his health, combined with the team's underwhelming performance, have opened the door to considering what was once unthinkable. As the season progresses, the pressure on the Maple Leafs to improve will only intensify, and Treliving will need to carefully weigh all options to determine the best path forward for the franchise.
