Maple Leafs' Auston Matthews' Future Raises Questions

Rumors swirl around star center's potential departure from Toronto

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Toronto Maple Leafs' disappointing season has raised speculation about star center Auston Matthews' future with the team. Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman acknowledged there was "a lot of noise" about Matthews before the trade deadline, though he said there was no chance the 28-year-old would be traded. Friedman expects Matthews and Leafs management to meet at the end of the season to discuss the team's direction. Meanwhile, the Montreal Canadiens were reportedly working on a "significant trade" at the deadline that didn't materialize, with GM Kent Hughes hinting they could revisit it in the offseason.

Why it matters

Matthews is the Maple Leafs' captain and one of the NHL's elite players. His potential departure would be a major blow to the franchise. The Canadiens' failed trade deadline move suggests they are still looking to make a splash in the offseason as they continue their rebuild.

The details

Friedman said Matthews wouldn't put the Maple Leafs in a bad spot, but he would let them know if there were any negative developments about his future with the team. TSN's Jeff O'Neill suggested Matthews and Ottawa Senators captain Brady Tkachuk could decide it's time to move on from their respective clubs this summer, though it's doubtful they will actually attempt to leave. As for the Canadiens, Hughes told reporters he'd been working on what would've been "a significant trade" for his club, though he didn't specify which player he was targeting.

  • The Maple Leafs' disappointing season has raised speculation about Auston Matthews' future.
  • Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman acknowledged there was "a lot of noise" about Matthews before the trade deadline.
  • Matthews and Leafs management are expected to meet at the end of this season to discuss the team's direction.

The players

Auston Matthews

The 28-year-old center and captain of the Toronto Maple Leafs, one of the NHL's elite players.

Brady Tkachuk

The captain of the Ottawa Senators, who could also potentially decide to leave his team this summer according to TSN's Jeff O'Neill.

Kent Hughes

The general manager of the Montreal Canadiens, who was working on a "significant trade" at the trade deadline that didn't materialize but could be revisited in the offseason.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“There was a lot of noise about Auston Matthews before last week's trade deadline.”

— Elliotte Friedman, Sportsnet (Sportsnet)

“Matthews wouldn't put the Maple Leafs in a bad spot, but he would let them know if there were any negative developments about his future with the team.”

— Elliotte Friedman, Sportsnet (Sportsnet)

“Matthews and Tkachuk could decide it's time to move on from their respective clubs this summer.”

— Jeff O'Neill, TSN (TSN)

“I'd been working on what would've been 'a significant trade' for my club.”

— Kent Hughes, Montreal Canadiens GM (Montreal Hockey Now)

What’s next

The Maple Leafs and Auston Matthews are expected to meet at the end of the season to discuss the team's direction. The Canadiens could revisit their failed trade deadline move in the offseason.

The takeaway

The uncertainty surrounding Auston Matthews' future with the Maple Leafs highlights the challenges facing the franchise, while the Canadiens' failed trade deadline move suggests they are still seeking to make a significant roster move as they continue their rebuild.