"Auston Matthews to LA Kings is the play": Ex-NHLer floats Toronto captain's blockbuster trade amid team's struggles

Former NHL player and analyst Nick Kypreos has suggested that the struggling Toronto Maple Leafs consider a blockbuster trade involving captain Auston Matthews to the LA Kings.

Speaking on a recent episode of Real Kyper & Bourne, Kypreos explained that the move makes strategic sense for the Kings as the team prepares for the post-Anze Kopitar era, with the longtime captain nearing retirement.

Kypreos highlighted Auston Matthews’ California roots as a natural fit, suggesting the superstar could thrive in the lower-pressure environment.

"I do believe that this is not something that can happen during this season. This is a summer decision, and I don't also buy that this is Auston for the rest of his career—that he's just a 30-goal scorer and he's just going to completely fall off. I don't believe that other teams look at him going, "This is the Auston Matthews I'm going to trade for. I don't want him." I don't believe in that either," Kypreos said.

He added:

"And I think that there are places out there—and I don't know if you want to hold me to this—like Auston Matthews to the LA Kings is the play. That's the move. They have Anze Kopitar leaving and they need somebody, and they kind of held out for the watch on Connor McDavid. I think if McDavid was the LA Kings' choice in a couple of years—or as early as next year to trade for him possibly—then Auston would fall right underneath that," he added.

This comes amid a difficult stretch for the Maple Leafs, who currently sit at the bottom of the Atlantic Division with their playoff hopes in serious jeopardy. Matthews has been in a prolonged slump, on pace for career-low production amid returning injury concerns.

How has Auston Matthews fared for the Leafs this season?

Auston Matthews is experiencing a challenging start to the season, with his production falling well below his standards as the Maple Leafs fight to stay in playoff contention.

He has accumulated 23 points through 14 goals and nine assists in 30 games this season. Matthews has gone pointless in the last three games and is projected to be on pace for 36 goals and 59 points.

This marks a significant drop from his previous highs, including a 69-goal, 107-point campaign in 2023-24 and even last season's injury-impacted 33 goals and 78 points in 67 games.

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Edited by Abhishek Dilta