The excitement from a gold medal win has quickly faded once the focus returned to Toronto. The team is dealing with a tight playoff race and growing pressure after recent losses. Questions about direction and decision-making have followed the group, especially given the lack of positives this season despite years of playoff disappointment.
Last season, we saw trade chatter around forward Mitch Marner, and now this season, trade talks are circling the captain.
Auston Matthews Linked to the LA Kings by Former NHL Defenseman Jason Demers
Auston Matthews returned from the 2026 Winter Olympics after captaining Team USA to a gold medal in Milan. He played an important role throughout the event and contributed on both ends of the ice.
In the final, he helped set up the opening goal before the United States secured a 2-1 overtime win. The result ended a long wait for an Olympic title and placed Matthews at the center of the success.
After the tournament, attention has moved back to the Maple Leafs, who are trying to stay in the playoff race. The team has struggled after the Olympic break and sits outside a wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference.
A 5-1 loss to the Florida Panthers on Thursday has intensified the concern, as Toronto fell behind early and could not recover. This loss followed a loss to Tampa Bay, and it means their playoff chances are slipping. Just a few more losses could push the Leafs to make major changes before the trade deadline.
That situation has already led to criticism from columnist Damien Cox, who questioned Matthews’ decision to attend a White House event rather than return to the team earlier.
Cox wrote that Matthews led the United States to gold but did not meet expectations in Toronto while the club was fighting for a playoff spot. He added that the choice showed poor judgment and a lack of awareness of how it could be viewed in Canada.
Matthews addressed the criticism by pointing to the tradition followed by championship teams. He said, “The team that wins the Stanley Cup every year accepts the White House invitation… we are proud Americans.”
The discussion grew further when former NHL defenseman Jason Demers shared Cox’s article on X and added a short comment: “LA Kings.”
The post linked Matthews to a possible move to the Western Conference, to the Kings, who struggled offensively in their 8-1 loss to the Edmonton Oilers. While there is no report of active trade talks, the comment added to the ongoing speculation around the team’s future.
Matthews remains under contract through the 2027-28 season after signing a four-year, $53 million deal in August 2023. This contract pays him an average annual salary of $13.25 million.
That deal makes any trade difficult, especially given his role and production. He has 26 goals and 50 points in 53 games this season and recently became the franchise’s all-time leading goal scorer.
With the deadline approaching and the standings getting tough, outside opinions and trade ideas are likely to continue. Still, it will only put pressure on Matthews to bring urgency to his group, nothing more. And a trade, if there will be one, will likely take place in the offseason.
