The Toronto Maple Leafs are witnessing one of the most chaotic offseasons in franchise history after missing the playoffs and cleaning house.
The franchise moved on from GM Brad Treliving and head coach Craig Berube, while newly hired executive John Chayka now faces immediate pressure to reshape the roster around captain Auston Matthews, who is recovering from a major knee injury.
This uncertainty has fueled nonstop speculation around Matthews’ future, especially after the superstar center stopped short of fully committing long-term during locker-room cleanout interviews. The rumor mill exploded even further when a former NHL veteran floated the idea of Matthews eventually landing in Minnesota.
NHL Voices React to Wild Auston Matthews Trade Rumor
Matthews became the center of fresh trade chatter after former NHL defenseman Erik Johnson made a bold prediction during a recent appearance on The Pat McAfee Show. While discussing Minnesota’s long-term roster outlook, Johnson suggested the Wild could eventually land either Matthews or Connor McDavid.
“I think one of Auston Matthews or Connor McDavid will be on the Minnesota Wild in the next three years,” Johnson said. “They need a No. 1 center. I think Bill Guerin finds a way to get a Matthews or McDavid to Minnesota to push them over the edge.”
The comment quickly exploded across social media because of the growing uncertainty surrounding Toronto’s offseason direction. Matthews recently fueled speculation himself during locker-room cleanout interviews when he declined to fully guarantee his future with the organization, stating, “I can’t predict the future.”
Even with the outside noise, insiders continue to maintain that Toronto has no interest in moving its franchise centerpiece. Reports from around the league indicate that Chayka is open to discussing nearly every player on the roster except Matthews, who remains the organization’s top priority.
Still, Johnson’s comments generated strong reactions from NHL personalities online, especially because Minnesota has consistently searched for a true elite center to complement Kirill Kaprizov and Matt Boldy.
NHL analyst Jack Jablonski reacted on X by writing, “NOW THAT’S A TAKE! Please just do yourself a favor and envision a line of: Kirill Kaprizov – Connor McDavid/Auston Matthews – Matt Boldy.”
The idea also caught the attention of personalities connected to The Pat McAfee Show. Producer Connor Campbell shared the clip on X and wrote, “This would be a hell of a move for Billy G and the Wild.”
Chris Long reacted to the growing speculation on X, posting, “Say what, now?” as the prediction quickly spread across NHL circles.
While many fans initially viewed the prediction as unrealistic, others pointed toward Minnesota’s financial growth and aggressive management style as reasons the rumor gained traction.
NHL analyst Nick Bracken wrote on X, “Wow. This is a hot take, but not unrealistic. You know that Bill Guerin is going to try anything to get his team on the Avs level. The huge question will be, can they retain Quinn Hughes along with making another big splash?”
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Despite the speculation, several major obstacles remain. Matthews holds a full no-movement clause through the remainder of his 4-year, $53 million extension, meaning any potential trade would require his direct approval.
Toronto also won the 2026 NHL Draft Lottery and now controls the No. 1 overall pick, giving Chayka another major tool to build around Matthews instead of moving him and risking the ire of Toronto’s fanbase.
