Auston Matthews could be traded this offseason. With the Toronto Maple Leafs missing the 2026 Stanley Cup playoffs, Matthews has refused to commit to another season in Toronto until he is confident about the direction of the organization. The Maple Leafs star has been involved in NHL trade rumors, and they won't be ending any time soon.
Below, we'll take a look at five potential trade destinations for Matthews during the 2026 NHL offseason.
minnesota wild
If Matthews wants to win a Stanley Cup, the Minnesota Wild would be the best landing spot for him. Led by Matt Boldy, Brock Faber and Quinn Hughes, the Wild have the potential to make a deep run during the 2026-27 NHL season. Matthews would love to play with his Olympic teammates, so Minnesota should be on his list of preferred trade destinations.
san jose sharks
The San Jose Sharks are a rising organization in the NHL, and Matthews will turn them into contenders. Led by Maclin Celebrini, the Sharks are poised for contention for a long time after landing three top-3 picks over the past three years. Matthews will join San Jose with an eye on the Stanley Cup alongside Celebrini.
anaheim ducks
The Anaheim Ducks came out of nowhere during the 2025-26 NHL season, and they are here to stay. The Ducks have a strong young core with Cutter Gauthier, Leo Carlson and Mason McTavish. If Matthews wants to compete long-term, Anaheim is another good option. The Ducks will be in contention for the next decade and Matthews can lead them to victory in the Western Conference.
utah mammoth
The future is bright for the Utah Mammoth in the Western Conference. Utah has arguably the most movable assets of any organization in the NHL, giving the team flexibility moving forward. Matthews would love to join up with one of his Olympic teammates, like Minnesota, under Clayton Keller. Mammoth has the assets to accomplish this, but will they be Matthews' preferred destination?
Los Angeles Kings
The Los Angeles Kings could be the top trade destination for Matthews. With the retirement of Anze Kopitar, Los Angeles is looking for another leader, and while Quinton Byfield is an up-and-coming player for the organization, Matthews will take it to the next level. The Maple Leafs superstar is from California, so he'd be happy to go home, too.
READ MORE: NHL Insider gives big update on Auston Matthews' future with Toronto Maple Leafs
