NHL Rumor Mill – March 31, 2026
A list of several proposed trade destinations for Maple Leafs center Auston Matthews, and the latest on the Rangers in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.
BETWEEN THE POSTS: Former Toronto sports pundit Howard Berger reports a “good source” told him that Auston Matthews won’t be back with the Maple Leafs.
Berger’s source claimed the 28-year-old center and team captain would be traded this summer to one of three teams: the Anaheim Ducks, Los Angeles Kings, or the Utah Mammoth. Because Matthews grew up in the southwestern United States, those clubs would apparently top Matthews’ list of preferred trade destinations.
Toronto Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews (NHL Images).
SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Kings would probably love to land Matthews as a replacement for the retiring Anze Kopitar. However, they might not have sufficient trade capital to win the bidding for his services, unless the Kings are the only team he’d want to be traded to.
BLEACHER REPORT: Based on Berger’s report, Hannah Stuart compiled what the trade packages might look like for the Ducks and Mammoth to acquire Matthews, but she included the Philadelphia Flyers and San Jose Sharks as destinations.
Stuart admits she is working within the framework of “pie in the sky trade that could still possibly happen”, but that’s because “Leafs fans deserve some nice things sometimes.”
From the Ducks, Stuart proposed a return of center Mason McTavish, defenseman Pavel Mintyukov, and a second-round pick, with the Maple Leafs retaining 50 percent of Matthews’ $13.25 million average annual value through 2027-28.
Stuart pitched an offer of prospect Tij Iginla, winger JJ Peterka, and a second-round pick from the Mammoth, with the Maple Leafs retaining 50 percent of Matthew’s cap hit. From the Flyers, Porter Martone, Rasmus Ristolainen, and a second-rounder, with the Maple Leafs retaining 25 percent.
From the Sharks, Stuart proposed an offer of William Eklund, Sam Dickinson, and a third-rounder.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Bear in mind that there has been nothing to suggest Matthews and the Maple Leafs will part ways this summer. There has been only some media speculation based on the club’s poor performance this season and the Leafs’ lack of reaction when Radko Gudas of the Ducks ended Matthews’ season with a knee-on-knee hit two weeks ago.
Matthews has two years left on his contract. He could remain patient and see whether the moves Leafs management makes this summer help the club rebound next season.
If Matthews tells management he wants to be traded, most observers will likely scoff at Stuart’s proposed offers. However, his full no-movement clause means he’ll only agree to be traded to a handful of teams.
As we’ve seen in recent years with the trades of Patrick Kane and Artemi Panarin, those clubs will have the leverage, especially when Matthews reaches the final season of his contract. In that case, Stuart’s proposed trade offers could be better than what the Leafs might actually get.
Anyway, feel free to weigh in with your reaction to those pitches, and let us know what type of return you think Matthews might fetch in the trade market.
THE ATHLETIC: Peter Baugh recently evaluated the recent trades of New York Rangers general manager Chris Drury as he attempts to retool the roster.
Baugh observed that younger players traded away by Drury (Kaapo Kakko, K’Andre Miller) have improved with their new clubs. He believes the Rangers must examine what went wrong with their handling of Kakko and Miller before bringing in more young talent.
If the Rangers are headed toward a full rebuild, the addition of aging center J.T. Miller looks ill-advised, making the club older while costing them a first-round pick in the process.
Baugh is concerned about how Drury intends to retool after moving on from Artemi Panarin. He noted that this summer’s free-agent class is weak, and the Rangers don’t have as many trade chips as other clubs closer to contention. While the Blueshirts will have salary-cap space to add to their roster, Baugh believes it works only if there are players to use it on.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Center Vincent Trocheck remains a significant trade chip for the Rangers. That lack of quality talent in this summer’s free-agent pool could force teams to turn to the trade market. Those who were reluctant to meet Drury’s asking price for Trocheck at the trade deadline could be more willing to do so in the offseason.
Nevertheless, Baugh makes some good points about the Rangers’ development system and how they might not be as enticing a destination for top talent hoping to join a playoff contender. It will take some significant salesmanship by Drury to pull it off.
What say you, Rangers fans? Let us know in the comments below.
Those suggested returns from three teams are all pretty weak. Especially since a well-rested and healed Matthews could flourish away from the Toronto magnifying glass. Some team could get a great deal.
I don’t think the Leafs are trading away their best player AND retaining salary for those returns.
As long as there are several teams he is willing to go to the returns should be much better than what is proposed in this article.
If San Jose is the destination, I think they’ll ask for Misa or Graf before Ecklund.
Are they going full rebuild or just retool on the fly?
If it’s full rebuild they will want multiple 1st round picks or very good young NHL players aged 20-23.
Another question is…who else goes with him? Do they approach all the core players and ask for a list of destinations? Something with this team is clearly amiss.
Daryl, re “Are they going full rebuild or just retool on the fly?” is something we won’t know one way or another until they hire a replacement for Treleving. And the big question now is – when will that be?
In the other thread Lyle mentions Armstrong again from St. Louis as a possible GM replacement. He, in addition to Mark Hunter, Chris Pronger, Edmonton assistant GM Bill Scott and Leafs assistant GM Brandon Pridham have also been proposed as possibilities by Lance Hornby in the Sun.
As I mentioned a while back, we also don’t know if whoever is tasked with the hiring (Keith Pelley??) has already decided as to whether it will be a re-tool or a re-build – or if that question will be put to the candidates in the hiring interview.
In the meantime, does Pridham run things to the end of the regular schedule, or will they make a decision fairly soon?
San Jose is a hard one. They already have a bunch of young talent ready to bloom.
Why give up a guy like Misa for anyone even Eklund would be hard to part with. I think LA is a better option, because they will have a need at center. But do they have the assets?
Who is this person. None of those offers would secure Matthews. Better start added some 1st rd pic in there as well
In normal circumstances none of these proposals are even close to what it would take to get Matthews. I don’t see the Leafs trading him this summer. But if they struggle again next season and he’s hesitant about extending then they’ll certainly listen to offers next summer.
Was surprised to see actual reasonable trade proposals for Mathews. And that’s if he is foolish and gives the leafs a list of preferred trade destinations. If I were Mathews and the leafs came to me asking for a list I’d scoff and tell them “you want to uproot me and my family and you want a list? I’m going here and I don’t want them paying to much for me cause I want them as competitive as possible “.
Depends Chrisms.
If he asks for a trade, then he likely gives a few teams. If the Leafs approach him, than ya, I wouldn’t provide a list.
The return is also dependent on that IMO. I think the returns above are probably pretty reasonable, so we agree on that.
You get him for 2 years and he’s coming off major knee surgery. He will likely get back to 100%, but it also takes a long time to get there and I don’t think it will be at the start of the season. He’ll play, but he won’t be the same until the new year. At best.
After saying that I don’t think he has asked for a trade. I don’t know who Howard Berger is, so until someone like a Friedman reports it, I’ll go with he’s coming back.
Next summer is when it will happen, as both parties need to make a decision. SHould be interesting.
My take.
Leafs are not going to go rebuild.
They have a strong roster that collectively had a crappy season, a season that was also unique for condensed schedules, limited practice times and the distraction of the Olympics.
Are they a cup contender…no…but they are what 1 or 2 pieces from being that again? Get 1 in the summer one by deadline…(i realize it is not that easy…but you get my point)
I do not believe they are hiring a new GM to tear it down. It will be one more go at it with Matthews imo.
And while I am at it…I might as well predict Peter Chirelli as new GM.
The leafs are an aging disjointed collection of crap.
-B goaltending
-C defense
a group of random B level forwards thrown together without much cohesion. Oh and Mathews. A re-tool won’t fix this. They missed their window. Trade Mathews to Chicago for Beddard and one other piece. Nothing retained.
LJ
I’m going to beat a dead horse re our exchange.
Not sure if I worded poorly or you chose to misread.
I linked the faceoff % and Zacha earning 20 pts more than the Habs 2C.
You appear to be talking about a link of faceoff% to points in team standings.
I also linked the increased 20 pt production of the player to a potential few points in a very tight standing race.
To make it clear again, Zacha as a Hab 2C would have contributed 20 more points to the 2nd line, would have won more faceoffs, would have impacted the poor pk, would have cancelled the need to trade a 2nd for Carbonneau, an older, less productive, more expensive player.
That increased production would most probably have added a few points in the standings, I have no idea how many, but it doesn’t take much to seriously impact a tight race.
Next year is a different story, the playoffs, draft, free agency and trades can still be made for guys who won’t play NHL games this year.
Extreme example a team might be willing to to pay a mid-low draft pick for a pending UFA just to have negotiation rights for a few months.
Phillip Danault?
lol my brain cramp yes of course Danault, next brain cramp is my following post on TML GM as it belongs in the “headlines”
HabFan that horse has been flogged to death long ago.
Why stop with Zacha. Imagine how much more Connor McDavid would have contributed. But he wasn’t available either. Let’s come to terms with the fact that the Bruins were not trading Zacha unless they got a ridiculous offer. Which they obviously didn’t.
It wouldn’t surprise me if TML hired Don Meehan or
pat Brisson to be GM.
Pierre Lacroix was an agent for 20 years before becoming GM of Nordiques/Avalanche
Bill Zito, Kent Hughes, and others have made the transition with success.
Those guys might just find the politics of dealing with a board easier on top of having established and respected relations with players and team management throughout the league.
I think Mathews would have to include a first and no retention. After all Leafs have given #1 picks away frivolously and need one back
I knew Tre was going to get fired. He also mismanaged the Flames and that was no fishbowl
Utah has a boat load to offer. I believe more than anyone else on that list . I also think TJ is off the table. Maybe Cooley and a top D prospect in return throw in a But ( no if’s or ands)
Without retention they may have little to no teams that Mathews approves that can afford him. And again. It’s trans nathews approves that they can trade him to. Leafs need a 1st? Sure they do. Does Mathews need to waive? No. Do the leafs need to trade him now? No. Do they need to trade him in 2 years? If he doesn’t sign they do. Interesting game of chicken possibly coming up
A Matthews trade wopuld have to be better then Sabres return for Eichel, which turned out to be better then what the media G.M.’S think.
At least 2 players , a 1st , and either a 2nd or mid level prospect would be the starting point.
Don’t count out Chicago either. Have the prospects/players/ high picks to move.
What went wrong with Miller and Kakko? Miller got paid well by Carolina. NY obviously developed him well enough to get a good return in a trade, and instead use the cap space for a legit top pair LD. Interestingly, Gavrikov has more than double Millers goal total, while being NY best defenseman. Kakko had a jump in offense immediately after trade but, his numbers this year have fallen back to his mediocre days in NY. The Kartye had a big jump in offense since being claimed from Seattle. Anyone questioning what went wrong there? Fox went straight from college to NY and has won a Norris while being in convo every year. They’ve “developed” a Vezina winner as well. Everyone likes to judge NY based on Laf, Kakko and some other 1st rd failures. What about Schneider, Cuylle, Laba? Lamb signed recently out of college. Could’ve chose free agency in August. As far as JT Miller. Unless Chytil miraculously can stay healthy and have a decent career, hard to argue cost of acquiring him. Drury made him “the guy” he wants to model team around. Until we get to off season it’s hard to figure out what Drury plans. I can’t see him being around for a rebuild. Winning lottery will effect plans. Getting an NHL ready prospect helps. If they fall back, maybe they’re packaging pick and player for upgrade. Are Trochek, Schneider available?What established players become available? 2 guys in St Louis? B Tkachuk? (Sorry George, he’s apple of Drurys eye). Robertson in Dallas?
Texas is southwest.
Robo and Harley for Matthews and Knies
Throw in a bag of pucks too…maybe a Ford Pinto with a red bow to top it off!
Troll much or you just this ignorant regarding the players?
Googling the question “what is the prevailing “sense” as to whether or not Mathews leaves Toronto this summer?” produced this consensus from among the Hockey Writers:
“As of late March 2026, the prevailing sense among analysts and insiders is that while the Toronto Maple Leafs are facing a “house cleaning” and a potential retooling of their roster, it is unlikely that Auston Matthews leaves or is traded this summer. Although a disappointing 2025–26 season, marked by injury, has fueled speculation, several factors suggest he remains in Toronto for now:
– Matthews has not indicated a desire to leave, and insiders like Elliotte Friedman previously stated there was a “0 percent chance” of a trade during the 2026 trade deadline season, viewing the rumors as overblown;
– Matthews has a full no-movement clause (NMC) and is signed for two more years (through the 2027-28 season) at an AAV of $13.25 million;
– While a trade is considered unlikely, the consensus is that a “pivotal” meeting between Matthews and the team (especially now with a new GM due to take over and probably a new coach) will occur this summer regarding the direction of the franchise;
– While some local media figures (e.g., Howard Berger) have suggested a trade to a Western team (LA/Anaheim/Utah) is coming, top national analysts and insider reports largely contradict this, suggesting the “core four” changes will target other players first.
Summary of the Situation: The consensus is that the 2025–26 season was a failure for the team, requiring management to make difficult decisions. If the Maple Leafs’ retooling plan is seen as a “long rebuild,” it could force a future conversation, but for the summer of 2026, the expectation is that they will try to rebuild around him rather than trade him.”
Back, back, back and there’s Howard Berger with “breaking news” from “a good source”.
Wow! Could we have a list of Berger’s scoops please?
Take your time.
Berger can’t still have a job, right? Him and Simmons are both sensationalists more than reporters…they are like the flacks of PR who throw anything and everything out there hoping it hits.
The Grandpas of opinionated tripe…creeping out from under their bridges now that there is turmoil in Leafs land…🤑
I like the Ducks suggested offer for both teams
Auston Matthews for Mason McTavish, Pavel Mintyukov, and a 2nd with the Leafs retaining 50%
I’d mention an offer from LAK-
Auston Matthews for Brandt Clarke, Alex Turcotte, 2 2nds with TML retaining 50%
habfan30
Why would the Leafs have to retain on a trade? Especially to ANA who have a boatload of cap space.
Hasn’t MacTavish been a recent healthy scratch? Where are the additional assets for the Leafs retaining salary on a star #1C? The proposal you mentioned isn’t enough without salary retention. Retaining $13.25M salary is easily worth a 1st round pick.
IF the Leafs were to make Matthews available, there would be no shortage of teams lining up to make an offer.
IF the Leafs were limited to 3 or 4 teams as has been mentioned on several online platforms, the offers would still be better than what’s posted here.
Bill Guérin thinks very highly of Matthews. Perhaps he would make a call to the Leafs new GM to gauge their interest in a package for the Team USA captain?
Daryl,
Matthews is overpaid for his production and ability to deliver as it is, before his injury.
25% retained still makes him cost $10m.
He signed a short contract with the intention of cashing in next time, so any team trading for him has that in mind. His injury has all kinds of red flags surrounding making it very possible he’ll never back to top form, so there’s a gamble there as well.
Any offer has to be made with that in mind and tempered expectations compared to his summer of 2025 value.
Of course the options I like might be too low but at least you now see what I base it on.
As a Sharks fan, I think the Eklund/Dickinson/third would be a poor return. Eklund is streaky and Dickinson commits the same defensive errors night after night. I know he’s a rookie, but he’s a big part of the reason the Sharks have such a poor GAA. I would thing the Leafs would want either Smith or Misa as part of the return.
Hard pass from Philly. Don’t see a marshmallow like Mr 60 fitting in with Tocchet coaching style in any way. (See Berube, Craig).