Alabama kicker Cade Foster (43) reacts with quarterback AJ McCarron (10) and tight end Chris Underwood (87) after Foster's field goal during the second half of last year's 9-6 loss to LSU Ñ the Crimson Tide's only defeat in the last two seasons. They play at LSU this Saturday night.
Austin Matthews, Mitch Marner William Nylander : Toronto Maple Leafs’ Core in the Spotlight for Potentialer, a Trades
The Toronto Maple Leafs have long been a team under the microscope, especially when it comes to their high-profile players. As the 2024-2025 NHL season progresses, rumors about the future of some of their most prominent stars—Austin Matthews, Mitch Marner, and William Nylander—have intensified. Could this be the week when one or more of the Leafs’ core players are traded? The notion of such moves, given the team’s playoff ambitions and the individual trajectories of these players, sparks intrigue and speculation.
The Toronto Maple Leafs: A Storied Franchise in Transition
The Leafs’ front office has faced a difficult balancing act over the years. Toronto is one of the most storied franchises in the NHL, but its success has not translated into deep playoff runs in recent seasons. The Leafs have long had a talented core of forwards, with Matthews, Marner, and Nylander providing a lethal combination of scoring, playmaking, and versatility. However, despite this offensive power, Toronto has struggled to break through the postseason ceiling, often falling short in the first or second rounds.
At the heart of this team are three players who are more than capable of leading a team to success. But as trade rumors swirl, it’s clear that their futures in Toronto are uncertain. With salary cap constraints, internal expectations, and the team’s desire for a fresh direction, the possibility of major trades looms large.
Austin Matthews: The Face of the Franchise
Austin Matthews is perhaps the most likely player on the Leafs’ roster to be traded, given his status as a superstar. A perennial Hart Trophy contender, Matthews is a natural goal scorer with elite offensive skills. His combination of size, speed, and shot accuracy makes him one of the most dangerous forwards in the league. But Matthews’ situation is particularly complex.
A Contract Negotiation That Looms Large
Matthews is set to be a free agent at the end of the 2023-2024 season, and with his current contract expiring, the Leafs will have to make a difficult decision. While Matthews has been the face of the franchise and is a generational talent, his next contract could command a significant portion of the team’s salary cap. The Leafs have already struggled with cap space, and signing Matthews to an extension would likely require shedding salary elsewhere.
If the Leafs do not believe they can retain Matthews long-term, a trade could be in the cards. Such a trade would be a major shift in the team’s core, but it would also net Toronto a significant return in assets, given Matthews’ stature. A trade would be a bold move, but it would also provide the Leafs with the financial flexibility they need to improve in other areas of their roster, particularly on defense and in net.
Mitch Marner: The Playmaker on the Edge
Mitch Marner is another player whose name has been bandied about in trade rumors. Known for his exceptional playmaking abilities and vision on the ice, Marner has been the engine driving much of Toronto’s offense for years. His ability to set up teammates and create scoring chances is unparalleled, making him a valuable asset for any team in need of a top-tier playmaker.
Potential Fit with Other Contenders
Like Matthews, Marner is a highly sought-after commodity in the NHL. His unique skill set and ability to control the puck in high-pressure situations would make him a prime target for contenders looking to bolster their offensive depth. While Marner has consistently been a top performer for Toronto, the team’s lack of playoff success with the current core could make his departure a reality.
A trade involving Marner would likely involve a return that bolsters the Leafs’ depth at multiple positions. With the Leafs struggling to find balance between their offensive talent and defensive needs, Marner could be dealt for a combination of defensive prospects, picks, or an established defenseman who could make an immediate impact.
William Nylander: The Quiet Star
While Matthews and Marner receive much of the attention, William Nylander has quietly become one of the team’s most consistent performers. Nylander’s blend of size, speed, and offensive creativity has allowed him to thrive in a variety of roles for Toronto. Over the past few seasons, Nylander has shown the ability to play both on the wing and as a center, adding to his value on the trade market.
Is Nylander the Most Likely to be Traded?
Nylander’s situation is unique compared to Matthews and Marner. Unlike Matthews, Nylander is not in the final year of his contract, which could make him an attractive trade target for teams looking for a long-term asset. Additionally, Nylander’s relatively affordable contract (compared to Matthews and Marner) may allow Toronto to extract a better return in a trade.
If the Leafs front office decides that a shakeup is needed but wants to hold onto their franchise player in Matthews, Nylander could be the player most likely to be moved. His skill set could be a perfect fit for teams seeking a winger with elite offensive potential, and a deal involving Nylander could bring the Leafs the defenseman or goaltender they so desperately need.
Why Now? The Timing of Potential Trades
The timing of these potential trades is crucial. If the Leafs believe that their current core of Matthews, Marner, and Nylander is not enough to push them over the hump, a trade could come at a time when the team is either near a breaking point or in need of a jolt. The NHL trade deadline in 2025 will bring increased pressure to either keep the core intact for a playoff push or make moves to set up for the future.
Another factor is the Leafs’ internal chemistry. While Matthews, Marner, and Nylander have all been teammates for several years, the team’s leadership group has faced increasing criticism for failing to deliver postseason success. If management believes that a change in the locker room culture is necessary, one of these stars could be sacrificed in order to rebuild the team’s identity.
The Future of the Leafs
Toronto’s path forward is a difficult one, but there’s a clear understanding that change is necessary. The pressure on general manager Brad Treliving to make bold moves has never been higher. Fans are tired of waiting for a championship, and the Leafs need to make tough decisions to position themselves as true contenders.
Whether the team trades one or more of its core stars this week or waits until later in the season, the future of Matthews, Marner, and Nylander will have a profound impact on the franchise’s direction. The Leafs must decide whether to stick with their superstar trio in the hopes that they can finally deliver the elusive Stanley Cup or whether it’s time to shake things up in pursuit of greater success.
Ultimately, what happens this week—whether the rumors turn into reality—will shape the Toronto Maple Leafs for years to come. For fans and analysts alike, the next few days are poised to be some of the most fascinating in the franchise’s recent history.
This speculative piece considers what would happen if any or all of these players were traded. I can adjust the details to match your preferred tone or focus. Would you like more specific information on any of these points?
