Analyst Floats Auston Matthews to Minnesota for Star Defenseman

Until the hockey world gets official word on whether Auston Matthews is staying with the Toronto Maple Leafs or not, trade rumors and potential landing spots will continue to swirl.

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That buzz had already started well before reports surfaced that the captain is not yet committed to playing in Toronto in 2026-27, and it’s only gotten louder in the aftermath.

One team that has come up numerous times as a potential Matthews destination is Minnesota, given their need for a top-line center and his Team USA connections to GM Bill Guerin, along with stars Quinn Hughes and Matt Boldy. On Thursday, John Rodenburg of TSN 1200 radio revisited that idea and wondered whether the Wild would have the stomach to include Brock Faber in a return package to get a deal done.

Rodenburg said:

“If I were to say to you that Quinn Hughes would re-sign in Minnesota long term, we’re going to go get Auston Matthews, but the package that has to go back to Toronto would have to include Brock Faber. Because that’s the level—to get, you have to give. You’ve got to give up something really good. It’s Faber plus, by the way. I think it’s Faber plus… You are getting back Auston Matthews, who is capable—especially playing with Quinn Hughes and Matt Boldy—of scoring 60 goals. You already have a number one D by far,”

The 28-year-old Matthews, of course, has two years remaining on the four-year, $53 million extension he signed with the Maple Leafs in 2023. On the other hand, Faber, 23, has seven years left on the eight-year, $68 million extension he signed with the Wild in 2024, which notably comes without any trade protection until 2030-31.

Auston Matthews for Brock Faber?

A Matthews-for-Faber deal—plus possibly a draft pick or two—would be an absolute blockbuster, and depending on how desperate Minnesota is to find a true number one center, it could make sense for both sides.

Guerin would much rather part with other assets, but as Rodenburg pointed out, to get, you have to give, and if Faber isn’t included, other teams could very likely outbid the Wild in any Matthews sweepstakes. Toronto, meanwhile, would certainly love to get its hands on the young star defenseman.

There’s no doubt it would be a tough pill to swallow for Minnesota, but after just losing to the Colorado Avalanche in five games in the second round, it’s clear they still have steps to take before becoming a legitimate Stanley Cup contender. Guerin may have to be bold to make that happen—something he’s shown he’s very willing to do.

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