Auston Matthews’ season took an unfortunate turn on March 12, when a knee-on-knee hit from Radko Gudas resulted in a grade 3 MCL tear and quad contusion for the Maple Leafs captain. Following surgery in New York, Matthews is on a 12-week recovery path, but with the Maple Leafs missing the 2025-26 NHL playoffs, his return will come after the season wraps up.
The aftermath of the hit revealed some cracks in the Maple Leafs’ team dynamics. Despite the severity of the incident, there was a noticeable lack of response from Matthews’ teammates, which has fueled speculation about internal issues. This has been highlighted by Howard Berger, a veteran Toronto sports columnist, who reported that Matthews might be on the move this offseason.
Berger shared on X, “Good source, here. Take it as you wish: '[Auston] Matthews will be traded, this summer, to either the LA Kings, Anaheim [Ducks] or Utah [Mammoth].
He won't be back next season.' Doesn't sound particularly far fetched.”
Matthews is currently in the second year of a four-year extension with an average annual value of $13,250,000, and he’s set to become a UFA after the 2027-28 season. However, the possibility of a trade request looms, especially considering the recent turbulence.
The rumor mill is buzzing, particularly on social media, where fans are reacting strongly to the idea of Matthews leaving Toronto. This comes on the heels of Mitch Marner’s departure last season, where fan criticism played a role in his move to the Vegas Golden Knights. Matthews, who has faced his own share of scrutiny, especially after Marner’s exit, has seen his performance dip to 53 points in 60 games this season.
Berger’s report has ignited discussions, with some fans expressing belief in the rumor, while others remain skeptical. One user commented, “Not a shock to hear. Fans ran him out of town,” reflecting the sentiment that fan pressure is a significant factor.
Despite the buzz, prominent NHL insiders like Elliotte Friedman, Chris Johnston, and Emily Kaplan have yet to weigh in on the potential trade, leaving Berger as the lone voice on this developing story. As the offseason approaches, all eyes will be on Toronto to see if these rumors come to fruition and how the Maple Leafs will navigate this pivotal moment.