Radko Gudas' knee-on-knee collision with Auston Matthews has dominated the hockey headlines this past week. From the hit itself to the Toronto Maple Leafs' subdued response and the subsequent suspension, there's been plenty to unpack.
Joining the conversation, Brady and Matthew Tkachuk voiced their support for their Team USA captain on the Wingmen podcast. They made it clear that such an incident wouldn't have occurred under their watch.
Matthew's vocal backing of Matthews has sparked speculation, especially with the uncertainty surrounding Matthews' future in Toronto. Some suggest the Florida Panthers star might be subtly trying to lure Matthews to Florida.
“Is Matt Tkachuk tampering? Perhaps.
But what can be done? Imagine the texts flying between them.
The Matthews and Tkachuks of the world,”
Dan Riccio shared a similar view:
“It’s hard to believe they haven’t talked to Auston about this situation, and it might be influencing the conversation. While the NHL isn’t quite the NBA when it comes to player recruitment, there’s a sense that a recruitment process could be underway regarding Matthews’ future.”
Currently, Matthews is in the second year of a four-year, $53 million deal with the Maple Leafs, with eligibility to extend again on July 1, 2027. This season, he's wrapping up with a career-low 53 points (27 goals, 26 assists) over 60 games.
This summer will be crucial for Matthews' future in Toronto. Expect his name to circulate in trade rumors, with teams around the league keen to woo him.
Should Matthews decide against extending his contract with Toronto, the Panthers could emerge as a prime destination. Playing in Florida, a team poised for a Stanley Cup run alongside his friend and fellow American, Tkachuk, has its allure.
The challenge for GM Bill Zito would be crafting a trade package that accommodates Matthews' $13.25 million salary while considering an extension. Florida is projected to have over $15 million in cap space, though they'll need to address Sergei Bobrovsky's contract. Likely, the Panthers would need to offload a significant salary to make room.
Ultimately, if Matthews, who has a full no-movement clause, sets his sights on Florida, history shows Zito and his team are adept at making deals happen.