This time next year, we could see a very, very different Toronto Maple Leafs roster, and if the hockey gods are willing, Auston Matthews will still be the face of the franchise.
This is a summer of change for the Maple Leafs, one where the franchise will shed its old skin and be born anew under the leadership of new general manager John Chayka and senior advisor Mats Sundin. But as they go about their business of retooling the roster, the question on every Leafs fan’s mind is whether Matthews can be convinced to stay put for the long term.
If he can’t be convinced of the Leafs’ long-term roadmap, a 2022 Stanley Cup champion is already pencilling in a blockbuster trade for the Leafs captain.
Ex-Colorado Avalanche Veteran Incites Auston Matthews Trade Rumors
Former 18-year league veteran Erik Johnson has become a regular fixture in NHL media since hanging up his skates. This week, Johnson took some time out of his schedule to make an appearance on The Pat McAfee Show, where he delivered probably the hottest take of the season.
Speaking on the Minnesota Wild’s primary conundrum of finding a #1 center, Johnson predicted GM Bill Guerin will swing for the fences.
“I’m gonna have one hot take for you right now. I think one of Auston Matthews or Connor McDavid will be on the Minnesota Wild in the next three years,” Johnson said.
“I think they’re gonna find a way. They need a center, that’s Minnesota’s clear Achilles heel. They need a #1 center. I think Bill Guerin finds a way to get Matthews or McDavid in Minnesota to push them over the edge.”
Guerin has already made it known that he is willing to wheel and deal this summer, especially with the 2026 free agency class being light on star power.
“I think Connor McDavid or Auston Matthews will be on the Minnesota Wild in the next three years..
That’s my hot take” ~ @6ErikJohnson #PMSLive pic.twitter.com/7rjeDvsLIY
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) May 20, 2026
Auston Matthews’ Contract in the Spotlight
Matthews will now enter Year 3 of his $53 million contract extension, which means he will be eligible to broach the subject of re-upping in Toronto this time next year. On locker room cleanout day, Matthews raised more than a few eyebrows by stopping short of committing his long-term future to the Toronto Maple Leafs.
“I can’t predict the future. Obviously, there are steps that have to take place. They’ve got to hire new leadership at management and stuff like that, so I don’t really know. Like I said, I can’t really predict the future,” were Matthews’ exact words.
Half of the job is done. The Leafs have new management in place, and Chayka and Sundin already have a vision to build the roster around the face of the franchise. Per insider Chris Johnston’s May 19 report, Toronto’s brass is willing to listen to offers on just about any player on the roster bar Matthews.
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The Leafs also have a mammoth piece to dangle as trade bait if they wish to accelerate their retool: the #1 pick in the 2026 NHL Draft. Number one prospect Gavin McKenna is seen as a generational prospect, and Toronto’s #1 overall pick could very well fetch a high price on the open market.
But the smart money’s on Toronto trying to compete while McKenna’s still on his entry-level contract to take full advantage of the salary cap that will balloon to $104 million starting in 2026/27.
