Ranking the Possibilities of the Toronto Maple Leafs Trading a “Core Four” Member
By Edward Eng
Auston Matthews
First and foremost, we have the face of the franchise in Auston Matthews.
Ever since becoming a part of the Leafs organization in 2016, Matthews has brought the team back to prominence by making them perennial contenders for the Stanley Cup. With a Calder Trophy, Maurice Richard Trophy, Hart Trophy, and a Ted Lindsey Award under his belt, he is the pure example of hockey excellence at its best.
Averaging almost 1.15 points per game and posting two 60+ goal seasons, he has done everything he could to make the team competitive and fun to watch for the past eight years.
So then, would the Leafs even dare to attempt to trade the superstar? There’s no doubt that among the core four, Matthews would provide the greatest return for the team. With three years left in his current contract and just entering his prime, who wouldn’t want the bonafide two-way player. Especially with what he does best is among one of the hardest things to do in NHL hockey, which is scoring goals.
However, that is the exact reason why Leafs management should not consider any trade involving Matthews at all costs.
Accounting for almost one-quarter of the team’s goals for the 2023-24 season, the Leafs offense would be severely impacted if he was no longer a part of the team. In addition, any trade involving Matthews would probably cause a huge riot among the fanbase as well as the players, so the last thing one would want to do is rile up Leafs nation along with the team’s chemistry going forward.
As a result, zero chance that Matthews will be going anywhere, unless GM Brad Treliving wants to lose his job.