Auston Matthews has found himself at the center of trade speculation this NHL season. But Elliotte Friedman has urged caution amid growing noise around the Toronto Maple Leafs captain.

Toronto’s season has taken a hit after Matthews suffered a serious knee injury on March 12 in a game against the Anaheim Ducks. The star forward underwent surgery for a Grade 3 MCL tear and will miss the rest of the 2025-26 campaign. Before the injury, he posted 27 goals and 53 points in 60 games, well below his usual standards.

The situation sparked rumors after Howard Berger claimed Matthews could be traded to a Western team like the Anaheim Ducks, Los Angeles Kings, or Utah Mammoth. The report added fuel to concerns about Matthews’ long-term future in Toronto.

MORE: Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews faces ‘tough summer’ after knee surgery

“Got something for you. Your favorite captain will be traded, this summer, to one of three western teams: Anaheim, Los Angeles, or Utah. Mark it down. [Auston] won’t be back with the Leafs,” Berger quoted his source in his Between the Posts column.

Toronto Maple Leafs forward Auston Matthews at Benchmark International Arena. Mandatory Credit: Morgan Tencza-Imagn Images

However, Friedman pushed back on that narrative in his latest “32 Thoughts” column. He stated that it is too early to assume anything about Matthews’ intentions. While changes are expected within the organization, no clear direction has emerged regarding the captain’s future.

“I wouldn’t rush to assume anything about Auston Matthews’ intentions,” Friedman wrote. “There is much to play out before we get a true understanding of how he feels. While there are changes coming in Toronto, we don’t yet know what they will be.”

Matthews remains under contract through 2027-28 with a full no-movement clause, making any trade complex. For now, Friedman’s update suggests patience, as the Leafs’ next moves could shape the franchise’s future.

MORE: Maple Leafs goalie adheres to Auston Matthews’ advice after puck accident

Auston Matthews’ Leafs expected to miss the playoffs

Meanwhile, the Leafs’ struggles have only increased pressure. They hold a 31-29-13 record and sit near the bottom of the Atlantic Division. Defensive issues remain a major concern, with the team allowing over three goals per game.

Despite recent wins over the Boston Bruins and New York Rangers, Toronto faces a tough path and could miss the playoffs. That possibility would end a consistent run of postseason appearances since 2017.

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