Maple Leafs' Stars Linked to Penguins Trade

Auston Matthews and William Nylander could be on the move to Pittsburgh

Apr. 6, 2026 at 6:39pm

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A fractured, geometric painting depicting the action of a hockey game, with the players and puck broken down into sharp, overlapping planes of color, conceptually representing the complex negotiations and potential trade between the Maple Leafs and Penguins.A cubist reimagining of a potential blockbuster NHL trade between the Maple Leafs and Penguins, as the two teams explore a deal involving star players Auston Matthews and William Nylander.Today in Pittsburgh

The Toronto Maple Leafs may be looking to remodel their roster this offseason, and the Pittsburgh Penguins could be a potential landing spot for star players Auston Matthews and William Nylander. While a trade is not guaranteed, the Penguins have the financial resources and draft capital to make a deal happen, especially with former Leafs GM Kyle Dubas now working in Pittsburgh.

Why it matters

A Matthews or Nylander trade would be a blockbuster NHL move, potentially shaping the future of both franchises. The Penguins are looking to transition their aging core led by Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin, and acquiring a young superstar like Matthews or Nylander could be a bold way to do so.

The details

The Maple Leafs may look to go into a full roster remodel this offseason, and if that happens, the Penguins could be an ideal trade partner. Neither Matthews nor Nylander would come cheap, but the Penguins have the financial flexibility and draft picks to make a deal work. Former Leafs GM Kyle Dubas, who was around when both players signed their big extensions, is now working in Pittsburgh, potentially facilitating a trade.

  • Matthews has two years remaining on his contract.
  • Nylander still has six years on his deal.

The players

Auston Matthews

A star center for the Toronto Maple Leafs who has been linked to a potential trade to the Pittsburgh Penguins.

William Nylander

A skilled forward for the Toronto Maple Leafs who has also been mentioned as a trade target for the Pittsburgh Penguins.

Kyle Dubas

The current general manager of the Pittsburgh Penguins, who previously served as the GM of the Toronto Maple Leafs when Matthews and Nylander signed their big contracts.

Sidney Crosby

The veteran captain of the Pittsburgh Penguins, who is part of the team's aging core that could be looking to transition to a younger roster.

Evgeni Malkin

Another veteran star for the Pittsburgh Penguins who is part of the team's aging core that could be looking to transition to a younger roster.

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What they’re saying

“I think (Nylander and Kyle Dubas) do have a good relationship, and I think the Penguins would certainly be equipped to make such a deal, both financially and with the number of picks they have at their disposal. Yeah, and I mean the Penguins would be on the short list if Auston Matthews wants out, I don't think there's any question about that, so that's something to consider.”

— Josh Yohe, The Athletic reporter

What’s next

The Penguins and Maple Leafs will likely continue to explore potential trade scenarios involving Matthews and Nylander in the coming weeks and months, as the Leafs look to remodel their roster and the Penguins seek to transition their aging core.

The takeaway

A blockbuster trade sending either Auston Matthews or William Nylander from the Maple Leafs to the Penguins would be a franchise-altering move for both teams, potentially shaping the future of the NHL for years to come.