NHL Rumors: Auston Matthews 'not loving life in Toronto' amid growing trade buzz, per top insider

The Toronto Maple Leafs’ uneven showing so far this season has opened the door to renewed speculation around franchise center Auston Matthews with reports surfacing that the captain may be increasingly unhappy amid the club’s continued struggles.

Speaking this week on The Jason Gregor Show, NHL insider Jason Gregor said he has heard growing rumblings that Matthews is frustrated with his situation in Toronto.

“I’ve heard rumblings that he’s not loving life in Toronto,” Gregor said. “And if you’re not happy where you work, I don’t care who you are or how much they pay you, it’s not going to be great.”

The comments come as the Maple Leafs sit near the bottom of the Eastern Conference holding a 17-15-6 record for 40 points. Toronto remains outside a secure playoff position and has struggled to build momentum, dealing with injuries, inconsistent five-on-five play and an underperforming power play that eventually led to the firing of assistant coach Marc Savard.

Matthews’ individual production while still strong by league standards, has fallen short of his usual elite level. Through 33 games, the 27-year-old has posted 15 goals and 12 assists for 27 points, well below the pace he set during his recent MVP-caliber seasons.

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Auston Matthews should not be compared to Connor McDavid says Jason Gregor

During the segment, Jason Gregor also pushed back on long-standing comparisons between Matthews and Edmonton Oilers superstar Connor McDavid. He argued that the debate has often been misplaced.

The insider reiterated that Matthews’ game aligns more closely with Leon Draisaitl’s and noted that Matthews is not a puck-transporting center in the mold of McDavid but rather a high-end shooter who thrives when properly utilized.

“He's not a puck transporter like McDavid all the time. He's not, right? When I watch him now, without Mitch Marner, he’s a shooter at center ice, which is kind of rare,” Gregor said. “But he’s not a shooter on the power play, which makes no sense to me. That guy should be the one you’re finding ways to get the puck to, and they don’t do it enough.”

Toronto’s power play has been one of the team’s biggest weaknesses this season failing to consistently generate high-danger looks despite featuring one of the NHL’s most prolific goal scorers.

While there is no indication that Matthews has requested a trade, nor that the Maple Leafs are actively exploring such a scenario, the combination of team struggles, reduced production by Matthews’ lofty standards and public commentary from league insiders has intensified speculation around Toronto’s long-term direction.

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Edited by Anjum Rajonno