Former Maple Leafs star reacts boldly to shocking trade rumors involving two of Auston Matthews’ teammates | NHL News
The Toronto Maple Leafs are entering one of their most intriguing offseasons in recent memory. After Mitch Marner’s departure to the Vegas Golden Knights in a sign-and-trade, the team finds itself at a crossroads. Fans are now turning their attention to Auston Matthews, the franchise’s centerpiece, and the kind of supporting cast he’ll have around him when the puck drops next season.
Maple Leafs weigh stability and possible big moves for Auston Matthews
Toronto made one thing clear early—stability matters. John Tavares committed to four more years with the team, signing an extension worth an average annual value of $4.38 million. That decision not only secures veteran leadership but also ensures Matthews has another proven scorer alongside him. Meanwhile, Matthew Knies is set to continue developing on Matthews’ wing, a move that reflects the Leafs’ belief in building around their young star.Still, speculation lingers about who might be shipped out to bring in more firepower. Nick Robertson and Morgan Rielly are the names most often floated in trade chatter. While Robertson has shown flashes of promise, questions remain about his long-term fit. Rielly, on the other hand, has been criticized for plateauing at a stage when Toronto needs defensive reliability.That’s where the idea of Erik Karlsson enters the conversation. Former Leafs defenseman Jay Rosehill didn’t mince words when asked about the possibility of such a deal. “I take that all day. We’re trying to get rid of Nick Robertson in general, where does he fit? Whose spot is he taking? I just don’t think he’s going to be here, and Morgan Rielly has stalled,” Rosehill said on Leafs Morning Take.
Will Maple Leafs pursue Karlsson to support Auston Matthews?
Karlsson, a Norris Trophy winner with elite offensive instincts, could be the kind of player capable of reshaping Toronto’s blue line. Rosehill highlighted his potential impact: “To get the upside of Erik Karlsson, and someone who can quarterback a PP and run the offense like Karlsson has done in the past, with all his accomplishments, he would be great, but I don’t think anyone is really going to take that trade.”Erik Karlsson’s arrival would inject star power into Toronto, erasing past battles with the Senators. Unlike Rielly, now better suited as a 3/4 defender, Karlsson remains elite. With 53 points in 67 playoff games, he could be Toronto’s X-factor.At this point, no negotiations are underway, but the discussion underscores the urgency for Toronto. With Matthews in his prime, the Maple Leafs can’t afford half-measures. Whether it’s Karlsson or another star acquisition, the coming months may decide just how far this team can push in its pursuit of a Stanley Cup. Also Read: Jake Guentzel breaks silence on NHL trade rumors, admits he nearly never joined the Tampa Bay Lightning
