In today’s NHL Rumor Mill, we have an update on the trade speculation about Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews, plus the latest on the Senators.
THE MAPLE LEAFS AREN’T TRADING AUSTON MATTHEWS
TORONTO SUN: Terry Koshan recently dismissed the trade speculation swirling around Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews before the club’s current improvement.
Toronto Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews (NHL Images).
Koshan considered that notion to be “crazy,” pointing out that Matthews still has two more seasons left on his contract with a full no-movement clause. The 28-year-old center’s performance has improved in recent weeks, resulting in a reversal of the once-struggling Maple Leafs’ fortunes.
Matthews could face some heat if the Maple Leafs fail to make the playoffs. However, Koshan believes general manager Brad Treliving and head coach Craig Berube will face most of the scrutiny. He thinks Treliving would be more likely to move this season than Matthews.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Matthews trade chatter was idle speculation, nothing more. The only way he moves is if he wants out. Otherwise, the Maple Leafs have no reason to peddle him at the March 6 trade deadline or this summer.
SENATORS STILL SHOPPING FOR HELP
OTTAWA SUN: Bruce Garrioch reports Senators GM Steve Staios continues to be aggressive in the trade market. He’s searching for a right-shot defenseman and a depth forward.
Defense remains the priority. Garrioch claimed that league executives said the Senators may have revisited their interest in Calgary Flames defenseman Rasmus Andersson. He also noted that the Vegas Golden Knights, Dallas Stars, Los Angeles Kings, and the Maple Leafs have also been linked to the 29-year-old Andersson.
Garrioch indicated that teams have asked about prospects Carter Yakemchuk and Logan Hensler. However, Staios has no interest in moving those promising youngsters.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Senators lack the trade capital to win a bidding war for someone like Andersson. They don’t have their 2026 first-round pick or a deep prospect pipeline to draw on for trade bait, especially since they’re not parting with Yakemchuk and Hensler.
Finding a depth forward before the March trade deadline could be an easier task. They could dangle one or two of their three third-round picks in this year’s draft.