Auston Matthews could be traded this offseason. With the Toronto Maple Leafs missing the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs, Matthews has refused to commit to another season in Toronto until he is convinced of the organization’s direction. The Maple Leafs star has been involved in the NHL trade rumors, and they won’t die down any time soon.
Below, we dive into five possible trade destinations for Matthews during the 2026 NHL offseason.
Minnesota Wild
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The Minnesota Wild would be the best landing spot for Matthews if he wants to win a Stanley Cup. Led by Matt Boldy, Brock Faber, and Quinn Hughes, the Wild have the pieces to make a deep run during the 2026-27 NHL season. Matthews would love playing with his Olympic teammates, so Minnesota should be on his list of preferred trade destinations.
San Jose Sharks
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The San Jose Sharks are a rising organization in the NHL, and Matthews would transform them into contenders. Led by Macklin Celebrini, the Sharks are poised for a long run of contention after landing three top-3 picks in the last three years. Matthews would be joining San Jose with eyes on a Stanley Cup with Celebrini.
Anaheim Ducks
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The Anaheim Ducks came out of nowhere during the 2025-26 NHL season, and they are here to stay. The Ducks have a strong young core with Cutter Gauthier, Leo Carlsson, and Mason McTavish. If Matthews wants to compete in the long-term, Anaheim is another good option. The Ducks should be in contention over the next decade, and Matthews can lead them in the Western Conference.
Utah Mammoth
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The Utah Mammoth has a bright future in the Western Conference. Utah arguably has the most movable assets of any organization in the NHL, giving the team flexibility moving forward. Led by Clayton Keller, Matthews would love to join one of his Olympic teammates, like Minnesota. The Mammoth have the assets to get it done, but would they be Matthews’ preferred destination?
Los Angeles Kings
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The Los Angeles Kings could be the top trade destination for Matthews. With Anze Kopitar‘s retirement, Los Angeles is looking for another leader, and while Quinton Byfield is a rising player for the organization, Matthews would take it to the next level. The Maple Leafs superstar is from California, so he would be happy to go home as well.
Read More: NHL Insider Drops Big Update on Auston Matthews’ Future with Toronto Maple Leafs
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