Overview
- Elliotte Friedman reiterated there was zero chance Auston Matthews would be traded at the deadline and said a post‑season meeting with management is expected.
- Friedman also said Matthews has given no indication he wants to leave the Maple Leafs.
- Matthews remains under contract through 2027-28, with eligibility to begin extension negotiations in the summer of 2027.
- Nick Kypreos reported there is a sense Montreal’s near‑deadline blockbuster was with Toronto and that Matthew Knies’ name surfaced with multiple teams, after Canadiens GM Kent Hughes acknowledged a significant deal that could be revisited this summer.
- Reporting indicates Toronto would only consider moving Knies for an overwhelming offer, and the winger has no trade protection until the final year of his current deal.