With Matthews having a full no-movement clause, he controls his own destiny, but Chayka should be able to land a serious haul for the prolific goal scorer. Also, if Matthews does indeed want out, this could be the perfect time for Chayka to do a full reconstruction of the Leafs’ roster and put everything on the table.
So, let’s say that Chayka and Matthews meet, and Matthews decides it’s time for chapter two of his career, which admittedly, I hope isn’t the case, the trade-happy Chayka wouldn’t be phased one bit and could begin to rebuild the Maple Leafs’ roster. Here’s five trade proposals to consider:
San Jose Sharks Acquire: Auston Matthews
Toronto Maple Leafs Acquire: 2026 first-round pick (#2 overall), 2026 first-round pick (#20 overall), Michael Misa, and Leo Sahlin Walenius
Going off the most recent blockbuster deal that sent Quinn Hughes to Minnesota, the Wild gave up four pieces, and this would certainly be a huge haul for Chayka and the Leafs. The number two pick gives them a chance to draft Stenberg, a player many in the organization are extremely high about, given his two-way abilities, and all-around game to make an impact in all situations. Or, the Leafs could draft Chase Reid and have a potential Cale Makar type of blueliner to build around on the back end.
The 20th pick the Sharks landed from the Edmonton Oilers and would give Chayka a chance to add another high-end prospect to the cupboards, meanwhile Misa steps right into the Leafs lineup in 2026-27, and has a chance to play down the middle of McKenna’s ice for the next 15 years. Sahlin Walenius is a Swedish defenceman, former 2024 second-round pick, and has spent some time in the Swedish Hockey League. If you think the Sharks are overpaying here, you should put some more respect on Matthews’ name.
Utah Mammoth Acquire: Auston Matthews and Nick Robertson
Toronto Maple Leafs Acquire: Tij Iginla, Caleb Desnoyers, Lawson Crouse, and 2026 first-round pick (#19 overall)
The Mammoth could be at the top of Matthews’ wish list as he’s very close with Clayton Keller, and Utah’s one of the best up-and-coming teams in the league. Add in an engaged owner who loves his team dearly and is also unveiling a performance center for the players, and there could be a lot of boxes checked off for Matthews.
Keep an eye on the Mammoth, if Matthews confirms to Chayka he’s not interested in returning, there’s a very good chance they make the approved shortlist of destinations.
Chicago Blackhawks Acquire: Matthew Knies
Toronto Maple Leafs Acquire: 2026 first-round pick (#4 overall) and Sam Rinzel
Landing the fourth-overall pick gives the Leafs a chance to nab Caleb Malhotra or one of the promising young defenceman available, especially if they go McKenna and potentially Stenberg at two. Yes, if the Leafs blow things up this summer, there’s an outside chance they could end up with the #1, #2, and #4 picks. Talk about an accelerated rebuild.
Rinzel would be a 21-year-old blueline prospect to add to the Leafs’ back end, and someone who could jump into their middle or bottom pair as soon as next season. He is a former 2022 first-round pick and posted 14 points in 54 games last season. He’s a former University of Minnesota product who has potential to contribute to all situations.
Anaheim Ducks Acquire: William Nylander
Toronto Maple Leafs Acquire: Pavel Mintyukov, Roger McQueen, and Stian Solberg
It’s hard to say where Nylander would want to play, as he owns a full no-movement clause, but sunny California on an up-and-coming team, where he could play on Leo Carlsson’s wing makes sense as a potential destination. If Matthews isn’t coming back, there’s zero chance Nylander would be sticking around.
The Maple Leafs would land three high-end players under 22 years old, including Mintyukov, who has top-pair potential on the back end. McQueen and Solberg are two former first-round picks and would give the Leafs another infusion of untapped potential they can begin to build around and develop.
If Nylander decides he’s following Matthews’ lead, there’s also a few other teams to consider as landing spots, including the Los Angeles Kings, Chicago Blackhawks, and New Jersey Devils.
Philadelphia Flyers Acquire: Anthony Stolarz
Toronto Maple Leafs Acquire: Carson Bjarnason and 2026 second-round pick
If the Maple Leafs are rebuilding in a major way this summer, Stolarz might as well pack his bags. Heck, there’s a chance he gets dealt even if the core returns. The Flyers are a spot Stolarz is familiar with, Philly’s likely not on his no-trade list, and they also happen to be in need of a tandem partner for Daniel Vladar next season.
The Leafs would land a 6-foot-4 20-year-old goaltending prospect to add to their pipeline. Bjarnason is still developing his game with just 34 games of professional hockey under his belt and could easily take up a spot with the Toronto Marlies. The Leafs could run with Joseph Woll and one of Artur Akhtyamov or Dennis Hildeby next season with no questions asked.
At the end of the day, there’s a lot more riding on the Matthews/Chayka meeting this month than people may realize. Should the Leafs’ captain decide he wants out, based on how the draft board sits this summer, it could be the perfect chance for Chayka to dismantle the roster, and begin a new era of hockey in Toronto. It’s unlikely that they get to that point, but it’s worth exploring if things happened to go south.
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