Despite having had vastly different 2025–26 seasons, the Tampa Bay Lightning and Toronto Maple Leafs both enter the summer disappointed and needing to make changes to improve their rosters.
Brayden Point and Auston Matthews have been pillars in Tampa Bay and Toronto for the past decade as number one franchise centers, leading the way for their respective teams. Both had their struggles—by their standards—this season, and as a result, Nick Wize of 95.7 WDAE believes a blockbuster swap of the two could benefit both the Lightning and Maple Leafs.
“I threw out a trade proposal: Brayden Point for Auston Matthews. Because I think Brayden Point is exactly what Toronto needs, and I think Auston Matthews is exactly what Tampa Bay needs. Matthews, coming off an injury, his value is a little bit low. Brayden Point, coming off two playoff disappointments, his value is also a little low. But Toronto needs somebody who has won Stanley Cups. And as weird as it sounds, I think Tampa Bay needs a guy that hasn’t,”
The 30-year-old Point has four years remaining on the eight-year, $76 million extension he signed with Tampa Bay back in 2021. Matthews, on the other hand, 28, has two years left on the four-year, $53 million deal he signed to extend in Toronto in 2023.
A swap of Point and Matthews would be massive, though after winning the draft lottery, it’s fair to wonder how much the Maple Leafs’ plans have changed—regardless of whether their captain wants to stick around.
If Matthews does want to stay and potentially play with Gavin McKenna, then this possibility goes out the window. The problem, however, if he does seek a trade out of Toronto, is that the Maple Leafs would then likely begin a rebuild, meaning a 30-year-old Point would probably not be of interest.
It’s a fascinating proposal nonetheless, as both teams remain ones to watch for making big moves this offseason, though their timelines might not match at this point to strike on such a deal.
Next: Numerous Offseason Defense Targets Floated for the Maple Leafs
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