Huge pressure lands on Auston Matthews following monster trade rumour

With less than a month until the March 6 trade deadline, the Toronto Maple Leafs are facing a familiar but pressing question: what exactly do they have in Auston Matthews?

Toronto Sun columnist Steve Simmons believes the organization needs to decide whether investing in the final two seasons of Matthews’ contract makes sense or whether it might be time to explore moving him elsewhere.

“The Leafs have 14 players inked for next season, many of them with no-trade arrangements, many of them signed long-term,” Simmons explained. “Restructuring the roster is a confounding Rubik’s Cube of sorts. But first you must start at the top where, after a decade, there is Matthews, still as your best player — with the future, today, tomorrow and next year, very much is doubt.”

Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman recently reported that Maple Leafs management has already touched base with Matthews’ camp. The star center remains committed to the team, a fact that provides reassurance to fans amid swirling trade speculation.

Still, the reality is stark: a disappointing performance next season could prompt Matthews to rethink his future in Toronto. Even with his loyalty, the team can’t ignore the long-term picture.

As the front office weighs its options, general manager Brad Treliving may also look at other roster pieces, particularly players approaching unrestricted or restricted free agency. For now, it appears Matthews is set on remaining a Maple Leaf, but the team’s playoff window, and its approach to building around its core, could drive significant changes elsewhere.

Toronto fans can take comfort in Matthews’ commitment, but with the trade deadline looming, the Leafs are poised for a critical period of evaluation. How they handle this balancing act could define the next few years of the franchise.