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Only One Thing Could Make Maple Leafs Trade Auston Matthews, Insider Believes

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Antonio Losada | Last updated May 25, 2025 9:12 AM ET

As speculation continues to swirl around the future of the Toronto Maple Leafs' core following their second-round exit, TSN insider Darren Dreger addressed the growing conversation around a possible blockbuster involving Auston Matthews.

Dreger's comments came just days after fellow insider Frank Seravalli suggested the Leafs should at least consider a Matthews move if they truly want to make a bold shift in the franchise's direction.

Speaking on "Leafs Morning Take," Dreger dismissed the idea of Matthews being moved as part of a potential roster overhaul.

“Come on, this guy is an absolute stud, he’s a superstar,” Dreger said. “I feel like for it to happen with Matthews at any point in the foreseeable future, that would be on him.

”I don’t believe that’s even remotely a possibility.”

Shanahan Out ft. Darren Dreger | Leafs Morning Take https://t.co/lnxn6OSRsd
— TheLeafsNation (@TLNdc) May 23, 2025

Seravalli built his case by citing playoff disappointments and long-term injury concerns after the Leafs' captain missed a few games this season and produced just three goals in 13 playoff games.

"My guess is there’s probably a 99.9% likelihood that Auston Matthews is back with the Maple Leafs next year," Seravalli said. "But if we’re going to question and talk about Marner because he’s a pending UFA — and likely on his way out the door — the playoff failures also extend to Matthews as well."

Dreger made it clear that unless Matthews asks out, the organization is not expected to entertain such a drastic scenario.

While Mitch Marner’s status remains in flux as he enters the final year of his contract, Matthews is under team control for three more seasons after signing a four-year, $53 million extension in August 2023.

Marner, by contrast, is viewed as more likely to be on the move, whether or not Toronto wants him back.

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

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