Maple Leafs Eye External Options to Support Auston Matthews in 2025-26

The Toronto Maple Leafs find themselves at a crossroads early in the 2025-26 season. After exhausting nearly every internal option to find the right chemistry on Auston Matthews’ top line, the organization may need to pivot toward the trade market. Head coach Craig Berube’s growing frustration has become palpable, especially following a disappointing 5-2 loss to the New Jersey Devils where the top line failed to generate sustained offensive pressure.

With Mitch Marner now wearing Vegas Golden Knights colors, the void on Matthews’ wing has proven more difficult to fill than anticipated. The team has cycled through Max Domi, Matthew Knies, Nick Robertson, Calle Jarnkrok, rookie Easton Cowan, and even briefly experimented with William Nylander—each experiment yielding underwhelming results. Berube’s candid admission that he’s “getting tired of it” signals that GM Brad Treliving may need to explore external solutions sooner rather than later. The question now becomes: which players on the trade market could provide the scoring punch and chemistry Matthews desperately needs?

Why the Maple Leafs external options for Auston Matthews line have become urgent

The timing couldn’t be more critical for Toronto. While the team faces a favorable stretch of games against traditionally non-playoff opponents—Buffalo, Calgary, Columbus, Philadelphia, and Pittsburgh—the inability to capitalize on easier matchups could spell trouble for their championship aspirations. Berube has been explicit about the problem, stating postgame that the top line has “no sustained pressure in the offensive zone at all. It’s one-and-done or out.”

This isn’t simply about finding a talented player to slot into the lineup. The Maple Leafs need someone who can complement Matthews’ elite shooting ability and Knies’ physical style while maintaining pace with their speed and hockey IQ. The revolving door approach has created instability at a position that requires chemistry and familiarity to flourish at the NHL level.

What makes this situation particularly concerning is that the Leafs have tried various player archetypes without success. They’ve experimented with skilled playmakers like Domi, grinders like Robertson, and even considered robbing Peter to pay Paul by elevating Nylander from the second line. None of these configurations have generated the results Toronto expected when they let Marner walk in free agency.

The upcoming schedule represents both an opportunity and a potential deadline. If the Maple Leafs can’t find offensive success against weaker competition, it will validate the need for external reinforcement. Treliving, known for his proactive approach to roster management, will likely have his phone lines open as the trade market begins to heat up in the coming weeks.

Buffalo’s Alex Tuch emerges as a prime Maple Leafs external option for the Auston Matthews line

Alex Tuch of the Buffalo Sabres represents perhaps the most logical and attainable trade target for Toronto. The 29-year-old power forward is exactly what the Maple Leafs’ top line currently lacks: a big-bodied winger who can win battles along the boards, drive to the net, and finish scoring chances with consistency. Coming off a 2024-25 season where he posted 36 goals and 67 points, Tuch has proven he can produce at a high level even on a struggling team.

What makes Tuch particularly attractive is his pending unrestricted free agent status and his $4.7 million cap hit. Buffalo’s continued struggles have intensified speculation that the organization might finally embrace a proper rebuild, making veteran assets like Tuch prime candidates for movement. The Sabres have resisted selling in recent years, but patience among ownership and fans has worn thin after another disappointing start to the season.

Tuch’s style of play would mesh perfectly alongside Matthews and Knies. His ability to use his 6-foot-4 frame to establish forecheck pressure and create space for linemates addresses one of Berube’s primary concerns about the lack of sustained offensive zone time. He’s not afraid to go to the dirty areas, deflect shots, and battle for loose pucks—all attributes that would complement Matthews’ elite shooting prowess.

The Maple Leafs will face Buffalo twice in their upcoming schedule, providing Treliving and his staff an up-close evaluation opportunity. If Tuch performs well in those matchups, it could accelerate trade discussions. From Buffalo’s perspective, moving Tuch before the trade deadline would allow them to recoup assets while giving the player an opportunity to compete for a Stanley Cup—something increasingly unlikely in upstate New York.

For Toronto, acquiring Tuch wouldn’t require the kind of financial gymnastics that would be necessary for bigger names. His contract expires at season’s end, meaning the Leafs could assess the fit before committing long-term. If the chemistry clicks, they could explore an extension; if not, they wouldn’t be hamstrung by years of salary cap obligations.

Exploring Maple Leafs external options for the Auston Matthews line: Nazem Kadri’s homecoming

Few potential acquisitions would generate the emotional response that bringing Nazem Kadri back to Toronto would create. The 35-year-old center, currently with the Calgary Flames, represents an intriguing if unconventional option for the Maple Leafs’ top line woes. While Kadri isn’t a traditional winger, his versatility and skill set could provide exactly what Matthews needs to rediscover his offensive rhythm.

Kadri’s transformation since leaving Toronto has been remarkable. Once criticized for ill-timed penalties and playoff suspensions, he’s matured into a Stanley Cup champion with the Colorado Avalanche and remained a consistent point producer. Last season, he tallied 35 goals and 67 points for Calgary, proving he still possesses elite offensive capabilities despite entering his mid-30s.

The fit would be unconventional but potentially brilliant. Kadri’s ability to win faceoffs, create net-front chaos, and distribute the puck would allow both Matthews and Knies to focus on their strengths. Imagine Matthews unleashing his lethal shot while Kadri screens the goaltender and hunts for rebounds—a combination that could revitalize Toronto’s stagnant offensive attack. Treliving’s familiarity with Kadri from their time together in Calgary adds another layer of intrigue to this possibility.

However, significant obstacles exist. Kadri’s contract carries a $7 million cap hit through 2028-29, which would require substantial salary retention or cap maneuvering to accommodate. Calgary would need to retain at least 50% for Toronto to make the numbers work without gutting their roster. Additionally, his age raises questions about whether he’s a solution for this season only or could be part of a longer-term plan.

The Flames’ dreadful start to the season—they’ve been among the league’s worst teams—could force management to consider accelerating their rebuild. If Calgary goes into full sell mode, Kadri could become available despite his contract complications. For a Maple Leafs team desperate for top-line production and a GM who values familiarity, pursuing Kadri represents a bold but plausible option. The narrative of a former fan favorite returning to help the team in its hour of need would certainly capture Toronto’s imagination, even if the logistics prove challenging.

Rickard Rakell presents a balanced approach for Maple Leafs external options for the Auston Matthews line

Pittsburgh Penguins forward Rickard Rakell offers a different profile than the other candidates—a proven 30-goal scorer who combines skill with physicality in a package that wouldn’t break the salary cap. The 32-year-old Swedish winger posted 35 goals and 70 points last season while adding 116 hits, demonstrating he’s evolved into far more than just a perimeter shooter.

Rakell’s transformation since joining Pittsburgh has been noteworthy. Once viewed primarily as a finisher during his Anaheim years, he’s developed a more well-rounded game that includes board battles, defensive responsibility, and physical engagement. This evolution makes him an ideal candidate to play alongside Matthews and Knies, creating a top line that could both score prolifically and play a heavy, playoff-style game.

The contractual situation makes Rakell particularly appealing for Toronto’s planning. Signed through 2027-28 at $5 million per season, he represents a manageable cap commitment that wouldn’t hamstring the organization’s future flexibility. This would be a multi-year solution rather than a rental, giving the coaching staff time to develop chemistry and continuity on the top line—something that’s been sorely lacking.

Rakell’s production suggests he could thrive with better linemates. Playing on a Penguins team in transition, he’s managed to maintain his scoring touch despite declining support from aging stars Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin. Imagine what he could accomplish feeding off Matthews’ playmaking and benefiting from Knies’ ability to create space through physical play. There’s legitimate potential for Rakell to push toward 50 assists and 80 points in that role.

Pittsburgh’s precarious position adds another dimension to Rakell’s availability. The Penguins are caught between competing now with their aging core and acknowledging that a rebuild looms on the horizon. If they stumble through the first half of the season, management may decide to cash in on valuable trade chips like Rakell to accumulate future assets. For Toronto, this represents an opportunity to acquire a player entering his prime years without surrendering the kind of prospect capital that true superstars command.

The geographical factor shouldn’t be dismissed either. Acquiring Rakell wouldn’t require the same negotiation complexities as dealing within the division. Pittsburgh and Toronto don’t face each other frequently enough for the Penguins to worry about strengthening a direct competitor, potentially easing trade discussions.

Other Maple Leafs external options for the Auston Matthews line worth monitoring

Beyond the three primary candidates, several other names have surfaced in trade speculation that could address Toronto’s top-line needs. Adrian Kempe of the Los Angeles Kings remains unsigned beyond this season, creating a potential trade opportunity if he and the organization can’t reach an extension agreement. The 28-year-old Swedish forward combines size, speed, and finishing ability—exactly the combination Matthews needs on his wing.

Kempe posted 31 goals last season despite playing in a defensively-oriented system, suggesting his offensive ceiling could be even higher in Toronto’s more attacking structure. His $5.5 million cap hit is manageable, though acquiring him would likely require significant asset expenditure given his age and production level. The Kings’ surprise struggles this season could make them more willing to consider moving pending free agents rather than risk losing them for nothing.

Owen Tippett of the Philadelphia Flyers represents another intriguing possibility, though recent reports from Elliotte Friedman suggest trade rumors surrounding him may be overblown. The 25-year-old power forward scored 28 goals last season and possesses the kind of physical shooting game that would complement Matthews well. Philadelphia’s rebuilding timeline makes veterans like Tippett logical trade candidates, though his recent contract extension complicates matters.

Several Calgary Flames beyond Kadri could become available if that organization embraces a full rebuild. Players like Mikael Backlund or Jonathan Huberdeau (if Calgary retained significant salary) might provide depth scoring solutions, though neither perfectly fits the top-line winger profile Toronto seeks. Treliving’s history with the Flames organization could facilitate negotiations if Calgary decides to sell.

The Buffalo Sabres roster features multiple potential targets beyond Tuch. Veterans like Jeff Skinner or younger players seeking fresh starts could become available if Buffalo’s playoff drought extends into its 15th season. The Maple Leafs’ upcoming two-game series against the Sabres will provide invaluable scouting opportunities beyond just evaluating Tuch.

What unites all these potential targets is their availability hinging on their current teams’ performance over the next several weeks. If Buffalo, Calgary, Pittsburgh, and Los Angeles continue struggling, the trade market could open up significantly before the December holiday break. Toronto needs to position itself to act quickly when opportunities arise, as multiple contenders will be pursuing similar upgrades.

The cost of acquiring external help for the Maple Leafs and Matthews’ line

Any discussion of potential trades must account for what Toronto would need to surrender to land a top-six forward. The Maple Leafs face a challenging balancing act: they need immediate help but can’t afford to mortgage their future, especially given the limited playoff success in recent years despite fielding competitive rosters.

Treliving’s draft capital situation provides both challenges and opportunities. The team possesses all its first-round picks moving forward, making them capable of engaging in significant trade discussions. However, the prospect pool has been depleted through recent trades and graduations to the NHL roster, limiting the quality of secondary pieces available to sweeten offers.

Players like Nick Robertson, Fraser Minten, or Easton Cowan could become trade chips if management determines they aren’t ready to contribute at the level required. This decision carries significant risk—trading young players who later develop into stars creates years of second-guessing. However, Toronto’s championship window with Matthews, Nylander, and Tavares may not remain open indefinitely, potentially justifying short-term thinking.

The salary cap represents the most significant constraint. With approximately $1.2 million in deadline cap space before any moves, Toronto would need creative solutions for any substantial addition. This could involve trading away roster players with salary (potentially someone like Calle Jarnkrok or David Kampf), utilizing LTIR space if available, or negotiating significant salary retention from the trading partner.

Multi-team trades could become necessary for larger acquisitions. If Toronto pursued someone like Kadri with his $7 million cap hit, a third team might need to be involved to facilitate additional salary retention beyond Calgary’s 50% maximum. These complicated transactions require patience and coordination but have become increasingly common in the modern NHL.

The opportunity cost also deserves consideration. Any significant trade for a top-line winger likely closes the door on other potential upgrades, whether on defense or in goal. Treliving must be confident that addressing the Matthews line issue represents the highest priority need, rather than bolstering depth or addressing other positional weaknesses that could emerge as the season progresses.

The pressure of the Toronto market amplifies every decision. Fans and media will scrutinize whatever price is paid, especially if the acquired player doesn’t immediately produce at an elite level. This reality might make Treliving more conservative than counterparts in smaller markets, though his track record suggests he’s willing to be aggressive when he identifies the right opportunity.

---

The Toronto Maple Leafs stand at a critical juncture in their season. Craig Berube’s patience with internal options for the Auston Matthews line has reached its limit, and the organization must now look externally for solutions. Candidates like Alex Tuch, Nazem Kadri, and Rickard Rakell each offer distinct advantages that could revitalize Toronto’s top line and restore the offensive production necessary for championship contention.

The upcoming stretch of games against weaker opponents will serve as the final audition for internal options while simultaneously providing scouting opportunities for potential trade targets. If the Maple Leafs can’t generate consistent offensive pressure during this favorable schedule, Brad Treliving will likely accelerate his search for external reinforcements. The trade market is beginning to take shape, and Toronto must position itself to strike quickly when the right opportunity emerges. With Matthews entering his prime years and the championship window still open, the time for decisive action may be arriving sooner than anyone anticipated.