Reports from The Athletic suggest the Minnesota Wild are the most interested team in acquiring Toronto Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews if he becomes available. This comes amid ongoing discussions about Matthews' future with the Leafs following an injury. A hypothetical trade package has been outlined involving prospects and draft picks.
The Toronto Maple Leafs have faced uncertainty since trading Mitch Marner to the Vegas Golden Knights last offseason, with some attributing a shift in team culture to his departure. Recent reports highlight captain Auston Matthews, currently injured, potentially meeting with the organization to discuss his future, prompting mixed fan reactions ranging from anxiety to openness to change. Michael Russo of The Athletic noted in a March 16, 2026, article that speculation surrounds Toronto's situation, stating: “There’s already speculation that something has to give in Toronto. Could that something be trading the now-injured Matthews? Ottawa Senators captain Brady Tkachuk (Hughes’ good friend) and St. Louis Blues center Robert Thomas could also be available. Then there’s the New Jersey Devils, with Jack Hughes and Nico Hischier, although Tom Fitzgerald has no desire to break up his core.” Russo speculated that Matthews could eye the Wild as a destination this offseason, similar to free agency for players with trade protection. Wild GM Bill Guerin, who recently acquired Quinn Hughes from the Vancouver Canucks, has expressed admiration for Matthews, with whom he shares familiarity from international play like the 4-Nations and Olympics. A proposed mock trade would see the Wild receive Matthews in exchange for goaltender Jesper Wallstedt, forwards Charlie Stramel and Danila Yurov, defenseman David Spacek, and first-round picks in 2027 and 2028. Wallstedt could pair with Joseph Woll in net, Stramel is ranked as the Wild's top prospect by Scott Wheeler, Yurov has 25 points this season at age 22, and Spacek offers NHL potential as a right-shot defenseman. Such a deal would represent a rebuild for Toronto, providing a mix of immediate help and future assets.
