NHL Insider dismisses rumors linked to Maple Leafs star Auston Matthews' trade to Minnesota Wild amidst injury controversy

As the Toronto Maple Leafs captain, Auston Matthews, is sidelined from the club due to his severe lower-body injury sustained in a knee-on-knee collision with Radko Gudas, speculations are doing the rounds about whether the Maple Leafs will keep him, considering his absence from the team for the remainder of the season.

Recently, there was a rumor that the Minnesota Wild seemed interested in acquiring Matthews. However, NHL Insider Michael Russo has dismissed rumors linking the Minnesota Wild. He has dismissed the speculation of his trade to the Wild, despite GM Bill Guerin's clear admiration for the center.

The speculation arose from Guerin's public praise of Matthews, indicating his interest in acquiring the center for the Wild. However, no formal talks occurred during the trade deadline, and Toronto held firm on Matthews.

NHL Insider debunks trade rumors related to Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews

Auston Matthews’ injury has fueled speculation about his playoff absence, indicating trade moves. However, these are mere speculations related to the player's absence, and no trade decisions have been confirmed so far. In the meantime, NHL Insider Michael Russo has dismissed rumors linking Toronto Maple Leafs star Auston Matthews to the Minnesota Wild, despite GM Bill Guerin's clear admiration for the center.

Speaking on Sportsnet 590's "Real Kyper and Bourne" podcast, Russo debunked the rumor revolving around the trade. Though he acknowledged Guerin's interest, he highlighted Minnesota's lack of sufficient trade assets.


According to a report by Sportsnet 590, Russo stated, “Well, I mean, I wouldn't say that I'm hearing noise, but I know Bill Guerin really well. And there's no doubt that he would, uh, be in on that. If Austin ever went to market again, I just don't know if the Wild would have the assets to get that done because I think any GM is going to look at the Quinn Hughes trade as sort of the template in a trade like that."

Russo further explained that the team does not have sufficient funds to acquire Matthews, and if the Maple Leafs star is ever traded, there will be a lot of teams bidding for him. "They just don't have those assets anymore. And I think if Austin Matthews suddenly became on the trade market, I think there'd be a lot of teams in it,” he added. (source: Sportskeeda)

Meanwhile, the Toronto Maple Leafs captain underwent surgery on Thursday as part of his recovery from his Grade 3 MCL tear and quad contusion in his left leg. As reported by the NHL, the Toronto Maple Leafs center has an expected recovery time of 12 weeks.

In this season, Matthews had 53 points, with 27 goals and 26 assists in 60 games for the Maple Leafs, who are 14 points behind the Detroit Red Wings and Boston Bruins in the Stanley Cup Playoffs from the Eastern Conference.


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