‘That’ll Be Disappointing’ — Insider Names 3 Teams Who Were Praying On Maple Leafs’ Downfall To Land Auston Matthews

FeedzyIt’s a nice, sunny day for some fresh Auston Matthews speculation. With the Toronto Maple Leafs moving some pieces around and in possession of the first overall pick, odds are the captain stays put. Read More
It’s a nice, sunny day for some fresh Auston Matthews speculation. With the Toronto Maple Leafs moving some pieces around and in possession of the first overall pick, odds are the captain stays put. But it appears a few teams were still holding out hope that something would befall the Leafs franchise.
As questions mounted around management, coaching, and roster construction, rival teams quietly monitored the situation. These conversations have now taken on a different tone, leading directly to the latest insight from a prominent NHL insider.
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Any discussion about Matthews leaving Toronto appears to be losing momentum, but that does not mean other organizations were not paying close attention.
In a recent column for The Athletic, NHL insider Pierre LeBrun reported that several teams were tracking developments surrounding Matthews while uncertainty loomed large around the Maple Leafs franchise.
LeBrun wrote, “All signs point to Auston Matthews staying put and playing for the Toronto Maple Leafs next season.
“Unless something dramatic happens in the coming weeks, the Leafs captain will be back next season in Toronto. That’ll be disappointing for a long list of teams that were keeping an eye on how things developed on the Matthews front, including the likes of the Los Angeles Kings, Anaheim Ducks and Utah Mammoth.”
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Matthews became the subject of trade speculation after Toronto’s season unraveled on multiple fronts. The team missed the playoffs, finished at the bottom of the Atlantic Division, and responded by replacing key figures in hockey operations.
Brad Treliving was dismissed as general manager, head coach Craig Berube was let go, and a new leadership structure was introduced. During that period of uncertainty, Matthews’ future became a frequent topic around the league.
The speculation gained additional traction because Matthews is only halfway through his current contract. He has two years remaining on a four-year extension carrying a $13.25 million cap hit, a deal that expires in 2028.
Since he chose a shorter contract rather than a maximum-term agreement, many observers believed Toronto would eventually need assurances regarding his long-term commitment.
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Questions also intensified after Matthews endured a challenging season that included a Grade 3 MCL injury. The injury limited his availability and impacted his offensive production. When asked about the future during postseason media availability, Matthews declined to make definitive declarations, which fueled even more outside discussion.
Since then, Toronto’s outlook has changed considerably. The Maple Leafs won the 2026 Draft Lottery, securing the opportunity to select top prospect Gavin McKenna. The organization also hired John Chayka as general manager and added franchise icon Mats Sundin to the front office.
These moves helped stabilize a franchise that appeared directionless only months earlier.
According to LeBrun, conversations between Matthews’ agent, Judd Moldaver, and Chayka have been positive.
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This outcome likely closes the door on the hopes of several interested franchises.
The Kings, Ducks, and Mammoth may have viewed Matthews as a transformational addition if circumstances deteriorated in Toronto. Instead, the Maple Leafs appear to have regained control of the situation, keeping their captain at the center of their plans for the foreseeable future.