Ever since the Maple Leafs lost to the Panthers in this year's 2nd Round, there's been lots of rumblings about the Leafs breaking up their Core Four. From Mitch Marner to William Nylander, to Auston Matthews, they've all been in their fair share of trade proposals.
The former Canuck and no radio host, Shane O'Brien gave his take on the subject and identified the L.A. Kings as the top destination for the goalscoring superstar. With Anze Kopitar and Philip Danault already established as top-end two-way centermen he sees the Kings taking it to the next level.
It had been rumored that Matthews' preferred destinations were Arizona or Los Angeles, even though he stated that he ‘didn't want to play anywhere else'. The Kings on their end, have the means to take the bill, their loaded up with right-handed defensemen, and can afford to let Byfield and Vilardi go for such a superstar.
This would be a gamble for the Leafs, but it could pay up big time if they manage to develop Byfield and Vilardi right. Looking at it, the Leafs are in a tough spot anyway, Matthews will have a full No-Movement Clause on July 1st, 2023, and will have complete autonomy by July 1st, 2024. The longer they wait, the bigger the chances are they lose him to free agency.
