Austin Konenski
The Minnesota Wild need to make improvements after the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs. The Colorado Avalanche eliminated Minnesota in five games after blowing a 3-0 lead in Game 5. It was a disappointing conclusion; however, the Wild should be back in the trade market this summer. In fact, Minnesota has been linked to a surprising NHL superstar.
The Athletic’s Michael Russo and Joe Smith listed Toronto Maple Leafs center Auston Matthews as a player Minnesota should look to trade for this summer. Matthews, who was the captain of the United States in the Winter Olympics, could be on the move this offseason.
So, what does Minnesota need to see happen for Matthews to be a realistic trade target?
Auston Matthews must request a trade with Minnesota Wild as a destination
New Toronto general manager John Chayka has to prove to Matthews that he can build a roster capable of returning to the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Just like Quinn Hughes before the 2025-26 NHL season, Matthews is scheduled to become a free agent in two seasons. Therefore, the 28-year-old center has significant leverage.
If the Maple Leafs don’t convince Matthews that they can be a contending team, he could request a trade this summer or during the 2026-27 NHL season. In this scenario, Minnesota would have to be one of the destinations that Matthews is willing to play for moving forward.
Matthews has a full no-movement clause in his contract, so he has to approve a trade out of Toronto. The NHL superstar has ties to Minnesota, as Hughes, Matt Boldy, and Brock Faber have all played with him on the Olympic team and during Four Nations. It wouldn’t be surprising if the organization were one of his main preferences.
It is unclear where Minnesota would have the assets to acquire Matthews after trading for Hughes in December 2025. The best scenario for the Wild would be if Matthews requested “Minnesota and only Minnesota” to play with his Olympic teammates. Either way, a trade could be a real possibility this summer.
If Matthews wants out of Toronto, the Wild should be calling whenever that occurs.
Read More: NHL Insider Drops Bold Prediction on Quinn Hughes Extension with Minnesota Wild
