Auston Matthews to Stay with Maple Leafs, Shaking Up Trade Market

The Toronto Maple Leafs have quelled speculation about Auston Matthews' future, with all signs pointing to the superstar center remaining with the team for the 2026-27 season. The development has left the Los Angeles Kings, Anaheim Ducks, and Utah Mammoth in a lurch, as all three had quietly prepared for the possibility of acquiring Matthews.

Matthews, who leads the NHL in goals over the past five seasons with an average of 42 goals per year, has been a cornerstone of Toronto’s franchise since being drafted first overall in 2016. His agent, Judd Moldaver, has not formally confirmed his return, but sources close to the situation suggest that a trade is unlikely at this stage. New Maple Leafs GM John Chayka has had “cordial” discussions with the Matthews camp, and the captain appears to be focused on bouncing back in the 2026-27 season.

The Maple Leafs missed the playoffs in 2025-26 for the first time since 2019-20, finishing last in the Atlantic Division with a 22-45-15 record. The team underwent a major front office overhaul, firing GM Brad Treliving and head coach Craig Berube, and hiring Chayka and Mats Sundin. Despite the turmoil, Maple Leafs fans can now take comfort in the fact that their captain is likely to remain.

The Kings, Ducks, and Mammoth had all envisioned scenarios where they could add Matthews. For the Kings, the timing was perfect. With Anze Kopitar set to retire after the season, the team needed a top-line center, and Matthews would have been the ideal solution. However, the Kings lack the trade capital to make a blockbuster move unless Matthews himself requested a trade.

The Ducks had a different approach. With a young core featuring Cutter Gauthier, Leo Carlsson, and Mason McTavish, the team saw Matthews as a catalyst to accelerate their window. One rumored package involved sending McTavish, defenseman Pavel Mintyukov, and a second-round pick to Toronto, with the Leafs retaining 50% of Matthews’ salary.

The Mammoth, the NHL’s newest franchise, had also floated a proposal involving Tij Iginla, JJ Peterka, and a second-round pick. For a team trying to build a brand in Salt Lake City, a star like Matthews would have been a major boost.

Now that Matthews is staying, the trade market will shift focus. Teams like the New York Rangers, Detroit Red Wings, and St. Louis Blues are now looking at alternatives like Dylan Larkin, Vincent Trocheck, and Robert Thomas. None of those players is quite on the level of Matthews, but all offer high-end talent.

What comes next is the Maple Leafs’ full rebuild plan. With the number one overall pick in the 2026 Draft, Gavin McKenna is the top prospect, Toronto is in position to reshape its roster for the long term. The Maple Leafs must decide whether to build around Matthews or pivot toward a younger core. The window is still open, but time is running out.