Maple Leafs' Auston Matthews Told to Recruit Zach Werenski

Bill Streicher-Imagn Images

Maple Leafs' Auston Matthews Told to Recruit Zach Werenski

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Ankit Kumar | Last updated Jun 30, 2026 6:00 AM ET

The Toronto Maple Leafs have already been linked to Norris Trophy winner Zach Werenski, but TSN's Bryan Hayes believes Auston Matthews should also play a role behind the scenes.

Speaking on OverDrive, Hayes urged the Maple Leafs captain to recruit Werenski if the Columbus Blue Jackets make the elite defenseman available.

"Apparently, he and Matthews are very close," Hayes said. "I hope Matthews is doing this. If the NHL is moving into NBA territory, the NBA is all about the players recruiting the players."

Hayes added, "He better be calling Werenski off the hook saying, 'You want to be up here. I'm telling you last year was a mirage. That's not real. I'm healthy. We're ready.' I hope he's doing that."

"He better be calling Werenski."

Hayes WANTS Auston Matthews to be recruiting Zach Werenski to the Maple Leafs#LeafsForever pic.twitter.com/uYp57dmoQ8
— OverDrive (@OverDrive1050) June 29, 2026

Jeff O'Neill questioned whether Toronto even has the assets to complete such a blockbuster.

"What is their package going to be to get Zach Werenski?" O'Neill asked after saying the Leafs lack the necessary trade pieces.

Hayes agreed the price would be enormous.

"Werenski is a top-five defenseman in the league. The reigning Norris Trophy winner," Hayes said. "If Werenski is available, it's going to cost a king's ransom."

Those comments align with NHL insider Elliotte Friedman's recent report on 32 Thoughts. Friedman said, "I do think Toronto will try. I 100% believe that Toronto will try."

He also cautioned that the final decision rests with Werenski because "he's got a no-move clause. He's got all the say."

Zach Werenski of the United States celebrates during the 2026 Olympic Winter Games.Marton Monus/Reuters via Imagn Images

Werenski is coming off an outstanding season with 81 points while averaging more than 26 minutes per game. He has also won the gold medal in the 2026 Winter Olympics playing for Team USA led by Matthews.

Werenski's all-around impact makes him one of the NHL's premier defensemen. So, the interest from Toronto is easy to understand. The Maple Leafs have reshaped parts of their roster, but an elite, puck-moving defenseman remains a major need.

Matthews recruiting Werenski would not guarantee a trade, and logically would also count as tampering, yet it reflects how important star players have become in influencing league movement. Even so, Columbus still controls the process and can demand a massive return for one of hockey's most valuable blue-liners.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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