If you tend to ignore any rumors about Auston Matthews being traded, you're not alone. It seems unlikely that the Leafs would let go of their star player who represents the team. However, they might be forced to consider it due to certain circumstances. <h2>Matthews in Calgary?</h2> There are rumors suggesting a possible deal between the Leafs and Calgary, especially since Brad Treliving became the Leafs' General Manager. Treliving, who used to be the Flames' GM, has strong connections with the management in Calgary. It's not surprising that the two teams are talking, as the Flames are looking to unload players while the Leafs are interested in acquiring new talent. Considering that Matthews will become an unrestricted free agent soon and will likely demand a salary of $14 million per year, it could be a smart move for the Leafs to trade him now and get valuable resources in return. <h2>Trading Matthews for a Group of Players?</h2> An interesting theory suggested by <i>The Hockey Writers </i> imagines a scenario where the Leafs trade Auston Matthews to Calgary in exchange for a group of unhappy veterans. In the first scenario, the Leafs would receive Tyler Toffoli, Noah Hanifin, and Jacob Markstrom, which would strengthen all three positions. The additional cost would be only $4 million more than what Matthews currently earns. In the alternate scenario, Markstrom would be replaced by Elias Lindholm. This change is justified by the rise of Ilya Samsonov, who could cover the goalkeeping position effectively, making Markstrom somewhat redundant. It has already been revealed that Lindholm is not interested in renewing his contract with Calgary. Being in his prime at 28 years old, Lindholm would be an appealing addition for Treliving. He could easily fill Matthews' role as the first-line center and provide scoring ability on the wing, while Hanifin would bring defensive solidity. Do you think Matthews will be traded? <div align='center'><blockquote class='twitter-tweet' data-lang='en'><a href='https://twitter.com/TheHockeyWriter/status/1672968393719160833'> </a></blockquote></div> As seen on Hockey Patrol - <a href='https://www.hockeypatrol.com/nhl-team/toronto-maple-leafs/Major-Trade-Proposal-Emerges-Sending-Auston-Matthews-to-Another-Canadian-Team' class='lien_marqueur' target='_blank' rel='noopener'>Major Trade Proposal Emerges Sending Matthews to Calgary</a>