{"id":1283,"date":"2023-03-15T20:28:52","date_gmt":"2023-03-15T20:28:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/oldprof.nhltradetalk.com\/?p=1283"},"modified":"2023-03-15T20:28:53","modified_gmt":"2023-03-15T20:28:53","slug":"could-auston-matthews-really-leave-maple-leafs","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/oldprof.nhltradetalk.com\/index.php\/2023\/03\/15\/could-auston-matthews-really-leave-maple-leafs\/","title":{"rendered":"Would Auston Matthews Really Leave the Maple Leafs?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

In a really good article written on The Hockey Writer<\/em>s, <\/a>Jim Parsons looked at the radical idea that Auston Matthews, who has only one year left on his current contract and will become a restricted free agent after the 2021-2022 season, will be traded this offseason.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It was an idea put forward by NHL insider Andy Strickland<\/a> not long ago. Strickland\u2019s thesis was that, if Matthews wouldn\u2019t re-up with the team, the Maple Leafs would have no option other than to trade him. It\u2019s a pretty bold thought, but might it be true? Will the Maple Leafs have no choice but to trade Matthews this summer if the superstar forward goes unsigned? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Is there a chance that would happen if the team faces losing Matthews for nothing?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Related: Remembering Maple Leafs Tough Guy Jim Dorey<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Is It Too Early to Consider the Possibility of Matthews Leaving?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Perhaps, it’s far too early to speculate about whether the Maple Leafs will trade Matthews. Certainly, because he\u2019s one of the generational talents in the entire NHL, it\u2019s no surprise that the team has expressed its commitment to Matthews. It\u2019s also given that the Maple Leafs will do everything they can to keep Matthews in Toronto for the long term.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n

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Auston Matthews, Maple Leafs<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

First, for Maple Leafs\u2019 fans (like myself) who hope Matthews stays with the Blue & White, Strickland’s statement might seem to be only his opinion. It\u2019s also simply speculation at this point. True \u2013 Matthews does have only one more season on his current contract. In addition, it’s far from a foregone conclusion that he won\u2019t re-sign with the Maple Leafs.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It would be my guess that both parties would want to stick together. Matthews has expressed his love for the city of Toronto and the organization. He also freely speaks about the \u201clove in the room\u201d when he talks about his teammates, and he does use the word \u201clove\u201d specifically. That doesn\u2019t sound like someone who wants out. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Maple Leafs have stated their desire to keep him long-term. That said, if Matthews is swinging for the fences, it’s certainly possible his contract negotiations could drag on or hit a snag. All this said it’s premature to say that a trade is inevitable. In fact, Maple Leafs\u2019 general manager Kyle Dubas has shown the propensity to be true to his players. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

But, then, Dubas\u2019 own contract has not been renewed. Might that matter? What if Dubas leaves? Would that impact Matthews’ decision?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Related: Three Reasons Mitch Marner Is the Maple Leafs\u2019 Best Player<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Does July 1st Become a Drop-Dead Date for Extending Matthews?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The best scenario would be if Matthews signs an extension with the Maple Leafs before July 1, 2023. That\u2019s the date his no-move clause kicks in. After that date, the team’s options for trading him become limited. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The team would have to get his approval to trade him to another team, and Matthews could use that as leverage to potentially dictate the terms of his new contract or destination. This would put the Maple Leafs in a bind. If the team were to allow that, they would have to feel confident they could re-sign Matthews to a long-term extension.\u00a0And, without a pen to paper, anything could happen. Right?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Could the reigning MVP be on the move this summer? \ud83d\udc40\ud83d\udd25

Comment your teams best offer for Auston Matthews \u2b07\ufe0f\ud83d\udcb0 pic.twitter.com\/wc5SuQMlqR<\/a><\/p>— The Cam & Strick Podcast (@CamandStrick) March 8, 2023<\/a><\/blockquote>