Heading into the Olympic break, the Toronto Maple Leafs were already on shaky ground regarding their 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs hopes. Unfortunately for Leafs fans, the situation has only worsened, and it's now confirmed that Toronto will miss the postseason.
This development is particularly significant for the Boston Bruins, who hold Toronto's first-round draft pick this June. However, there's a catch: the pick is top-five protected. Last year, the Bruins traded with the Leafs, acquiring Brandon Carlo and sending prospect Fraser Minten, a draft pick from last June, and this year's first-rounder to Toronto's GM, Don Sweeney.
Initially, it seemed unlikely that the pick would fall into the top five. But a pivotal moment on Thursday night might have shifted the odds in Boston's favor.
Auston Matthews' Season Ends Due to Injury
In a matchup against the Anaheim Ducks, Toronto's star, Auston Matthews, suffered a knee-to-knee collision with Ducks defenseman Radko Gudas late in the second period. Known for his rough play, Gudas received a five-minute major penalty and a game misconduct.
The NHL Department of Player Safety announced a hearing for Gudas following the incident. On Friday night, the Maple Leafs delivered a tough update about their captain.
Toronto confirmed that Matthews is out for the season with a Grade 3 MCL tear. While he'll be reevaluated in a few weeks, there's no expectation for him to return this season.
With Matthews sidelined, the Leafs' chances of sliding further in the standings increase, potentially enhancing their odds in the NHL Draft Lottery. If Toronto's pick lands in the top five, it would be a significant setback for the Bruins' plans to revamp their roster quickly.