Major Trade Proposal Emerges Sending Auston Matthews to Another Canadian Team

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Wade Messier
June 26, 2023 (9:45)

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If you immediately disregard anything you read involving the phrases "Auston Matthews" and "trade", we don't blame you. It seems quite outlandish to think that the Leafs would trade their superstar scorer and the face of their franchise. Unfortunately, they might not have a lot of options.

Matthews to Calgary?

It seems like Leafs' trade rumors with Calgary have gone up significantly since Brad Treliving was hired as the Leafs' GM. The former Flames GM has close connections to the Clgary front office still, and it would make sense that they would talk to one another, given that the Flames are a seller and the Leafs are buyers.

This latest trade proposal suggests that Treliving should try to mimic his Matthew Tkachuk trade from last year, where he sent the young star to Florida in exchange for Jonathan Huberdeau, and MacKenzie Weegar, as well as picks and prospects.

With Matthews on the fast track to unrestricted free agency next offseason, and his next contract likely seeing a salary demand of $14 million a year, it may make more sense for the Leafs to trade him and recoup as many assets as possible.

Matthews For...Everyone

A trade proposal on The Hockey Writers envisions a scenario where the Leafs trade Auston Matthews to Calgary in exchange for virtually all of their disgruntled veterans. The first scenario includes a package of Tyler Toffoli, Noah Hanifin, and Jacob Markstrom. This would shore up all three positions for the Leafs, and would only cost them $4 million more than what Matthews is currently making.

The second scenario swaps out Markstrom for Elias Lindholm, citing Ilya Samsonov's emergence in the net as enough reason to pass on the former all-star goaltender.

It has already been reported that Lindholm has no desire to sign an extension in Calgary, and at just 28 years of age, the top-line center could be an intriguing piece for Treliving to add. Seeing as he's just one season removed from a point-per-game scoring pace, Lindholm might be the perfect replacement for Matthews down the middle while adding a premium scoring winger in Toffoli, and a great top-pairing defenseman in Hanifin.

Treliving should seriously consider this trade approach.

As Seen on THW - Maple Leafs & Flames Could Make Major Trade Involving Matthews