The Toronto Maple Leafs could be entering a new chapter in their franchise history after a disappointing season. With the first overall pick in the 2026 NHL Draft and several questions surrounding the team’s future, big changes could be coming. One of the biggest questions is whether Auston Matthews will remain in Toronto or become a valuable trade asset. At just 29 years old, Matthews still has plenty to offer, but could trading their superstar be the right move for Toronto’s future?
Toronto’s Future Depends on Auston Matthews
Matthews’ Early Success in Toronto
Matthews was drafted first overall in 2016, and he quickly showed why the Maple Leafs made him their top choice. Matthews shined during his rookie year, scoring 40 goals and recording 69 points. He quickly became one of the team’s most important players.
This year, in 2026, the Maple Leafs got the first overall pick, which shocked the NHL. The selection also raises questions about Toronto’s future and whether major changes are coming.
Toronto’s Potential Rebuild
The projected first overall pick was Gavin McKenna, a forward who plays for Penn State. Adding a highly regarded young player could make the Maple Leafs think about rebuilding their roster and focusing on younger players.
Matthews could become one of the biggest names in those discussions. Although he is still young enough to contribute for many seasons, trading him could bring back assets to help shape Toronto’s future.
Why Keeping Matthew Would be a Better Choice
Keeping Matthews could also be the best decision for Toronto’s future. Matthews this season so far has 10 goals, the third best in the NHL; why would you trade away your best player and your best goal scorer?
He has shown us that he is one of the NHL’s top scorers, and will probably be for the remainder of his career. Trading him away could leave a massive hole in the Maple Leafs’ roster. Mattheews was drafted by the Leafs, and I hope he ends his career as a Leaf as well.
Matthews is also a leader of the Leafs, and losing their top player and leader could hurt the team; they could lose hope of winning games and fewer goals being scored. Instead, Toronto should rebuild around him, and a player like McKenna could be the start.
If the Maple Leafs want to be contenders for the Stanley Cup, keeping Matthews would definitely help them.
Losing Does Not Help Matthew Stay In Toronto
The Leafs have lost back-to-back games and take on the Vancouver Canucks next. The Leafs need the momentum back that they had a couple of games ago. They stand 7-6-2, a solid record but not great.
Matthews does not really need to improve anything; he is doing great, but losing games does not help him want to stay at the club. He is 29 years old; he will soon be wanting to be reaching for the Cup, and if the Leafs can’t help him do that, he will just leave, so the Leafs need to try so hard to make it to the playoffs.
Main Image: Sergei Belski-Imagn Images
