{"id":525952,"date":"2026-03-27T16:04:20","date_gmt":"2026-03-27T16:04:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nhl\/525952\/"},"modified":"2026-03-27T16:04:20","modified_gmt":"2026-03-27T16:04:20","slug":"nhl-analyst-clears-the-air-on-maple-leafs-auston-matthews-trade-rumors","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nhl\/525952\/","title":{"rendered":"NHL analyst clears the air on Maple Leafs’ Auston Matthews trade rumors"},"content":{"rendered":"

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

Toronto\u2019s season has taken a hit after Matthews suffered a serious knee injury on March 12 in a game against the Anaheim Ducks<\/a>. 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.<\/p>\n

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\u2019 long-term future in Toronto.<\/p>\n

MORE: Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews faces \u2018tough summer\u2019 after knee surgery<\/a><\/p>\n

\u201cGot 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\u2019t be back with the Leafs,\u201d Berger quoted his source in his Between the Posts column.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Toronto Maple Leafs forward Auston Matthews at Benchmark International Arena. Mandatory Credit: Morgan Tencza-Imagn Images<\/p>\n

However, Friedman pushed back on that narrative in his latest \u201c32 Thoughts\u201d column. He stated that it is too early to assume anything about Matthews\u2019 intentions. While changes are expected within the organization, no clear direction has emerged regarding the captain\u2019s future.<\/p>\n

\u201cI wouldn\u2019t rush to assume anything about Auston Matthews\u2019 intentions,\u201d Friedman<\/a> <\/a>wrote<\/a>. \u201cThere is much to play out before we get a true understanding of how he feels. While there are changes coming in Toronto, we don\u2019t yet know what they will be.\u201d<\/p>\n

Matthews remains under contract through 2027-28 with a full no-movement clause, making any trade complex. For now, Friedman\u2019s update suggests patience, as the Leafs\u2019 next moves could shape the franchise\u2019s future.<\/p>\n

MORE: Maple Leafs goalie adheres to Auston Matthews\u2019 advice after puck accident<\/a><\/p>\n

Auston Matthews\u2019 Leafs expected to miss the playoffs<\/p>\n

Meanwhile, the Leafs\u2019 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.<\/p>\n

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

\u2014 Enjoy free coverage of the top news & trending stories on The Big Lead <\/a>\u2014<\/p>\n

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