Auston Matthews and his future with the Toronto Maple Leafs could be the biggest story of the 2026 NHL offseason. Matthews wants to see if Toronto can get itself back into a playoff contender before committing to a second season. So, could the 28-year-old superstar really request a trade this summer?
The insider told Overdrive that TSN's Darren Dreger doesn't believe there's any chance Matthews will request a trade unless the Maple Leafs complete a full rebuild. Toronto just got the first pick in the 2026 NHL Draft, and still has playoff pieces on the roster. Therefore, it would not be very wise to do a complete rebuild right now.
However, would it still be best for Matthews to request a trade this offseason?
Should Auston Matthews request a trade from the Toronto Maple Leafs?
Matthews is 28 years old and still one of the biggest superstars in the NHL. Toronto hasn't gotten very far in the Stanley Cup playoffs with its captain, but it has the potential to do so soon. So, should Matthews remain captain of the Maple Leafs?
Absolutely. Matthews still has William Nylander, Matthew Nease and John Tavares and the No. 1 overall draft pick coming soon. More likely, Gavin McKenna or Ivar Stenberg will join Toronto during the 2026–27 NHL season, giving the organization another future NHL star.
Matthews has plenty of time to win a Stanley Cup in Toronto, and earning the first overall pick in the 2026 NHL Draft is an excellent start. Certainly, the Maple Leafs center wants to see more from the organization this summer, but there is already a solid foundation in place for the future.
Other teams, such as the Minnesota Wild or Utah Mammoth, could give Matthews a good chance to win; However, is it really that much better than Toronto? Maple Leafs fans love Matthews and the team will be much better next season.
More than likely, Matthews will be back in Toronto next season and the future is very bright.
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