The Minnesota Wild need to improve after the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs. After blowing a 3–0 lead in Game 5, the Colorado Avalanche swept Minnesota in five games. This was a disappointing conclusion; However, the Wild should be back on the trade market this summer. In fact, Minnesota has been linked to a surprise NHL superstar.
The Athletic's Michael Russo and Joe Smith listed Toronto Maple Leafs center Auston Matthews as a player Minnesota should trade this summer. Matthews, who was captain of the United States at the Winter Olympics, could be on the move this offseason.
So, what does Minnesota need to see to make Matthews a realistic trade target?
Auston Matthews should request a trade with the Minnesota Wild as a destination
New Toronto general manager John Chayka will have to prove to Matthews that he can build a roster capable of returning to the Stanley Cup playoffs. Like Quinn Hughes, Matthews is also scheduled to become a free agent in two seasons prior to the 2025-26 NHL season. Therefore, the 28-year-old center has a significant advantage.
If the Maple Leafs do not convince Matthews that they can be a competitive team, he can request a trade this summer or during the 2026–27 NHL season. In this scenario, Minnesota would be one of the destinations Matthews is willing to play for moving forward.
Matthews has a no-activity clause in his contract, so he must clear a trade out of Toronto. The NHL superstar has ties to Minnesota, as Hughes, Matt Boldy and Brock Faber all played with them on the Olympic team and during the Four Nations. It would not be surprising if organization was one of their main priorities.
It's unclear where Minnesota would have the assets to acquire Matthews after trading for Hughes in December 2025. The best scenario for the Wild would be for Matthews to request "Minnesota and only Minnesota" to play with his Olympic teammates. Either way, a trade could be a real possibility this summer.
If Matthews wants out of Toronto, the Wild should call whenever that happens.
READ MORE: NHL insider makes bold prediction on Quinn Hughes extension with Minnesota Wild
