Penguins Insider Sees Matthews-Dubas Reunion in Pittsburgh

Could Auston Matthews leave Toronto and join forces again with former GM Kyle Dubas in Pittsburgh?

Apr. 2, 2026 at 5:35pm

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A Penguins insider believes that if Auston Matthews becomes available this offseason, Pittsburgh GM Kyle Dubas would be quick to pursue a reunion with the star center. Dubas, who previously worked with Matthews in Toronto, has the cap space and trade assets to make a deal happen, though it remains to be seen if Matthews would be interested in joining the Penguins.

Why it matters

Matthews leaving the Maple Leafs would be a seismic shift in the NHL, and the Penguins emerging as a potential landing spot adds an intriguing wrinkle. A Matthews-Dubas pairing in Pittsburgh could help the Penguins return to contender status, while also presenting a new challenge for the Leafs as they try to build around their remaining core.

The details

According to Penguins insider Josh Yohe, if Matthews does become available, Dubas would almost certainly make a call to try and bring him to Pittsburgh. The Penguins have the necessary cap space and trade assets to put together an enticing offer for the Leafs. However, Toronto may be reluctant to trade their superstar to their former GM, and the Penguins would likely have to part with a key prospect like Ben Kindel to get a deal done.

  • Auston Matthews is entering the third year of a 4-year, $53 million contract extension with the Maple Leafs in the 2026-27 season.
  • Matthews finished the 2025-26 season with a career-low 53 points (27 goals, 26 assists) in 60 games.

The players

Auston Matthews

A 28-year-old center who has spent his entire NHL career with the Toronto Maple Leafs. He is one of the league's elite goal scorers but is coming off a down season in 2025-26.

Kyle Dubas

The current general manager of the Pittsburgh Penguins, who previously held the same role with the Toronto Maple Leafs. He has a prior working relationship with Auston Matthews from their time together in Toronto.

Sidney Crosby

A veteran superstar center and longtime face of the Pittsburgh Penguins franchise.

Evgeni Malkin

A veteran superstar center who has played alongside Crosby in Pittsburgh for many years.

Erik Karlsson

A veteran superstar defenseman who was recently acquired by the Penguins, adding to their impressive veteran core.

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What they’re saying

“There's the question I've been waiting for. I don't know what's going to happen in Toronto, nor do I have a relationship with Matthews, so I don't know whether he'll want out. If he becomes available, I'd be stunned if Dubas didn't make a call. The Penguins have the cap space and trade pieces to make a deal like that.”

— Josh Yohe, Penguins Insider

What’s next

The Penguins would need to put together an enticing trade package for the Maple Leafs, likely including top prospect Ben Kindel, in order to have a chance at acquiring Auston Matthews. Matthews would also need to be open to the idea of playing in Pittsburgh, which is not a certainty.

The takeaway

The possibility of Auston Matthews leaving the Maple Leafs and reuniting with former GM Kyle Dubas in Pittsburgh adds an intriguing wrinkle to the NHL offseason. While the Penguins have the assets to make a deal happen, it remains to be seen if Matthews would be interested in joining forces with Crosby, Malkin, and Karlsson in Pittsburgh.