Amid ongoing speculation about the future of the Toronto Maple Leafs’ core following their recent second-round playoff exit, TSN insider Darren Dreger addressed the possibility of a major trade involving star forward Auston Matthews. The discussion surfaced shortly after insider Frank Seravalli suggested the Leafs might need to consider moving Matthews if they aim to radically change the franchise’s direction.
Dreger, speaking on Leafs Morning Take, firmly rejected the idea that the team would initiate a trade involving Matthews in any foreseeable scenario. He emphasized that such a move would have to originate from Matthews himself.
Insider Comments on Auston Matthews’ Potential Trade Situation
Dreger described Matthews as an elite player and “an absolute stud” whose value to the Maple Leafs is immense. He insisted that the team has no plans to trade Matthews unless the player requests it personally.
“Come on, this guy is an absolute stud; he’s a superstar,”
Dreger said.
“I feel like for it to happen with Matthews at any point in the foreseeable future, that would be on him.”
Meanwhile, Seravalli presented a more cautious outlook, pointing to Matthews’ recent playoff performance where the captain scored only three goals in 13 games and also missed time due to injury. He argued that, despite a strong likelihood Matthews remains with the Leafs next season, questions around Marner’s uncertain future inevitably cast scrutiny on the team’s leadership as a whole.
“My guess is there’s probably a 99.9 percent likelihood that Auston Matthews is back with the Maple Leafs next year,”
Seravalli stated.
“But if we’re going to question and talk about Marner because he’s a pending UFA — and likely on his way out the door — the playoff failures also extend to Matthews as well.”
Mitch Marner’s Contract Status and Team Outlook
While Matthews remains firmly under contract for three more years following a recent four-year, $53 million extension signed in August 2023, Marner faces a more uncertain future. As a pending unrestricted free agent, Marner’s status with the Leafs is unclear, and he is viewed as the player more likely to be traded or to depart the team.
Dreger’s position suggests that Toronto’s management will not pursue dismantling their core centered around Matthews unless Matthews himself initiates such a request. The distinction between Matthews’ secured contract and Marner’s unsettled status highlights the different paths these key players may take moving forward.
Veteran Maple Leafs Players Facing Possible Roster Changes
In addition to the uncertainty surrounding Marner, reports indicate that two longtime veterans on the Maple Leafs roster are under consideration for removal as the team weighs options to reshape its lineup. These potential moves form part of broader deliberations following yet another playoff disappointment.
The Maple Leafs organization appears to be at a crossroads, balancing loyalty to its star core with the pressure to push past recent postseason shortcomings. How these personnel decisions unfold could significantly impact the team’s competitiveness in the coming seasons.