Toronto Maple Leafs superstar center Auston Matthews had some interesting social media activity that has fans wondering about a potential blockbuster trade being in the works.
Many expected Maple Leafs GM Brad Treliving to shake up the supporting cast around Auston Matthews following another early postseason exit, this time a round one elimination at the hands of the heated rival Boston Bruins.
But Treliving has kept the “Core Four” of Matthews, William Nylander, John Tavares and Mitch Marner together. Tavares and Marner are entering their contract years, but the latter is seven years younger and carries much higher trade value.
Though it feels unlikely now that Treliving will trade one of those star forwards, it’s also not too late for him to add another big name or two to Toronto’s roster before training camp begins.
Auston Matthews recently posted an Instagram story of his dog hanging out with the dog of Utah Hockey Club forward Clayton Keller:
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Naturally, Matthews’ social media activity has led to folks wondering if a potential trade with Utah is in order. Would Matthews get traded to Utah, or would the Maple Leafs acquire Keller in a blockbuster deal?
It’s impossible to envision Toronto trading Matthews now unless they were to get another all-world player like Connor McDavid in return. But they could certainly use a quality forward like Keller, who tallied 33 goals and 76 assists on the Arizona Coyotes last year.
There’s no indicator that the Utah Hockey Club (relocating from Arizona this year) would want to trade Keller now. But if he is available for the right price, the Maple Leafs should inquire about his services.
Auston Matthews Is Coming Off A Career Year
The first overall pick of 2016 had a career year in 2023-24, tallying 69 goals and 107 points (both career bests). This past season marked the second 60-goal campaign for Auston Matthews in three years.
