Clarity on the Toronto Maple Leafs and Auston Matthews
The Toronto Maple Leafs find themselves in a bit of a holding pattern when it comes to Auston Matthews. With GM Brad Treliving and the rest of the organization still unsure about the future direction, it seems we might not get any answers until June.
Matthews, now 28, is also in the dark about his next steps, as discussions are likely to unfold during the offseason. The Leafs have traded away first-round picks to Boston and Philadelphia, signaling a possible retool rather than a full rebuild.
This offseason is shaping up to be a pressure cooker for the team.
Ottawa Senators' Quest for a Right-Handed Defenseman
The Ottawa Senators are on the hunt for a right-handed defenseman, a search that will continue into the offseason. With 35-year-old Nick Jenson set to leave as a free agent, the Senators are exploring both trade and free agent options.
Before the trade deadline, Ottawa showed interest in several players, including MacKenzie Weegar, now with the Utah Mammoth, and others like Rasmus Ristolainen, Colton Parayko, and Justin Faulk. Parayko, who turned down a trade to the Buffalo Sabres due to his no-movement clause, would have required a significant return, including a high-end prospect and a first-round pick.
For the Senators to land Parayko, they'd likely need to part with one of their top assets, such as Carter Yakemchuk or Logan Hensler, along with a 2027 first-round pick.
On the free agent front, Darren Raddysh from the Tampa Bay Lightning could be a top target if he hits the market, though he’ll command a long-term deal. Rasmus Andersson is another name, but his no-movement clause makes him a long shot for Ottawa.
Other potential right-handed defensemen include John Carlson, Brent Burns, Jacob Trouba, John Klingberg, and Radko Gudas. While Logan Stanley and Jamie Oleksiak are left-handed, they have the versatility to play on the right side.
Senators GM Steve Staois mentioned Carter Yaremchuk as a possible internal option, though there are concerns about his skating ability at this stage. The Senators have some crucial decisions ahead as they look to bolster their blue line for the future.