Analyst Predicts Auston Matthews Trade to Sharks for Top Prospect

Times are changing for Auston Matthews and the Toronto Maple Leafs, and it’s happening fast. For nine years, the now-captain was the focal point of a star-studded core — a group that consistently put up big-time regular-season numbers and cruised their way into the playoffs with little trouble. The problem, of course, was what followed. All nine postseason runs ended early, and the way the 2024–25 season finished may have signaled the beginning of the end for that window.

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It began with Mitch Marner leaving for Vegas. Then came Toronto’s uneven start to the 2025–26 season, with Matthews’ play and production landing firmly in the crosshairs. As a result, the future of the two-time 60-goal scorer with the only NHL organization he’s ever known has come under real scrutiny, with legitimate trade chatter having surfaced in recent weeks.

Just last week, Sportsnet insider Nick Kypreos floated the idea of moving Matthews to the Los Angeles Kings for a sizeable package, potentially involving Quinton Byfield and/or Brandt Clarke. Many brushed it off as a long-shot scenario, but as the Maple Leafs continue to struggle, it’s starting to feel less impossible than it once did.

On Monday, Sportsnet writer Ryan Dixon added to the conversation while making his bold predictions for 2026. One of them suggested that after missing the playoffs, Toronto would go with the nuclear option of trading its superstar center to the San Jose Sharks in a deal centered around top prospect Michael Misa.

Dixon wrote:

“After missing the playoffs by two points, the Leafs will have a cards-on-the-table talk with captain Auston Matthews that results in him being dealt to the Sharks for a package built around Michael Misa,”

The 28-year-old Matthews is in year two of the four-year, $53 million extension he signed with the Maple Leafs back in 2023. He’s been more productive upon returning from the holiday break, though still sits under a point-per-game with 27 points (15 goals, 12 assists) in 33 games on the campaign.

Could Auston Matthews Actually Get Traded?

There’s no question that Dixon’s prediction is a bold one. Trading Matthews would be shocking enough on its own, let alone sending him to San Jose to join Macklin Celebrini for a return built around Oakville, Ontario, native Michael Misa.

While it still feels unlikely at this point, the recent blockbuster that sent Quinn Hughes to Minnesota showed that nothing — even the trade of a superstar — can be completely ruled out in today’s NHL.

Ultimately, this all hinges on whether the Maple Leafs can salvage their 2025–26 season, because if they can, this chatter will die down for the time being. That said, Toronto’s path even just to make the playoffs is murky at best right now, so it’s not hard to see why talk of a major shake-up has gained traction.

If Brad Treliving does decide to explore the market for Matthews, any return would need to be massive — and few assets around the league fit that description better than last year’s second-overall pick.

Next: Analyst Calls Out Auston Matthews as Maple Leafs’ Biggest Issue