NHL analyst predicts Toronto Maple Leafs’ plan to trade captain Auston Matthews after his unsatisfactory performance

In a bold prediction made by an NHL analyst suggests that the Toronto Maple Leafs could make a massive roster shift in 2026, which would involve trading the captain and the face of the Maple Leafs, Auston Matthews, in a major NHL trade deal. According to Sportsnet analyst Ryan Dixon, Toronto may ultimately decide to move the 28-year-old center, despite his contribution, dynamic offensive force of the Maple Leafs.

As per reports, Matthews signed a four-year, $53 million contract with the Maple Leafs on August 23, 2023. He is considered a reckoning force in the team as he is the fifth player to score 300 goals with the Leafs, joining Sudin (420), Sittler (389), Dave Keon (365), and Ron Ellis. Moreover, he got No. 400 in a 4-0 win against the Buffalo Sabres at KeyBank Center on April 15, becoming the 110th player in NHL history to reach the milestone.

Will the Toronto Maple Leafs move their captain, Auston Matthews, in a blockbuster trade deal?

NHL analyst predicts that the Toronto Maple Leafs could move their captain, Auston Matthews, in a blockbuster trade deal. The analysts' forecast outlines a scenario in which the Maple Leafs will engage in discussions with potential trade partners in 2026.

Analyst Ryan Dixon is predicting that they will trade Matthews in exchange for a good package in return, with some other potential player who will fit into the team. He wrote, "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." (source: Sportskeeda)

This speculation was further fueled after former NHL player and analyst Nick Kypreos sparked a potential trade rumor by suggesting that the Maple Leafs could consider a blockbuster deal involving Auston Matthews and the Los Angeles Kings.

Speaking on a recent episode of Real Kyper & Bourne, Kypreos said, “I do believe that this is not something that can happen during this season. This is a summer decision, and I don't also buy that this is Auston for the rest of his career, that he's just a 30-goal scorer, and he's just going to completely fall off. I don't believe that other teams look at him going, "This is the Auston Matthews I'm going to trade for. I don't want him." I don't believe in that either.” (source: Sportskeeda)

Some of the possible teams that are currently eyeing Matthews are the San Jose Sharks, while the Los Angeles Kings also have the opportunity to trade him after the retirement of Anze Kopitar.

Meanwhile, Matthews is under contract through the 2027-28 season. Despite his earlier performance, his record this season remains very unsatisfactory, as he has 15 goals and 12 assists in 33 games. This is a huge dip from the time when he scored over 60 goals and consistently produced over a point per game, which could be one of the reasons the Maple Leafs could take a tough call in 2026.

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