Auston Matthews trade talk is not a thing Toronto Maple Leafs fans ever wanted to take seriously, but the spiral has pushed it from internet noise into actual radio conversation.Â
On Sportsnet 590, Nick Kypreos flat out said it could be discussed as soon as this summer, and he tied it to one reality Toronto cannot ignore, the only way to truly change this era might involve touching the top of the roster.
Auston Matthews trade talk is a summer conversation
Kypreos made it clear he does not see this as an in season move, partly because the logistics are brutal and partly because it is the type of decision you make when you have time to breathe. Matthews has a no movement clause, so Toronto cannot just decide to do it and move on. It would take Matthews being open to a change, and Kypreos suggested the last couple of years have been tough enough that the idea of a fresh start is not impossible.
The other part is value. Kypreos pushed back on the idea that teams would view Matthews as damaged goods. Even with the recent dip and the constant questions around health and fit, he believes other clubs still see a true game breaker and would pay accordingly.
Los Angeles Kings keep coming up for Auston Matthews
Kypreos said the Los Angeles Kings are the play, pointing to Anze Kopitar nearing the end and the Kings needing the next franchise center. If Los Angeles has been watching the Connor McDavid situation from afar, Matthews is the type of pivot that still changes the whole direction of the room.
If Toronto ever got to the point of doing it, the return would have to be enormous, and it would likely be built around high end pieces that can play soon, not a distant futures package.Â
Names like Quinton Byfield and Brandt Clarke get mentioned because they fit the age curve and the upside Toronto would need if it is truly resetting around a new core.Â
It’s still a massive if, but the fact that it’s being talked about this openly tells you where the Toronto Maple Leafs are right now.
Photo Credit:Â Geoff Burke-Imagn Images