As the Toronto Maple Leafs continue to face playoff struggles and questions swirl around Auston Matthews’ long-term commitment, a new trade rumor has emerged linking the star center to the New Jersey Devils. The speculation gained traction after analysts floated a hypothetical blockbuster deal that would send captain Nico Hischier, defenseman Simon Nemec, and a 2027 first-round pick to Toronto in exchange for Matthews.
While the proposal remains purely theoretical, it quickly ignited debate due to its potential impact on both franchises. Analyst Jonny Lazarus weighed in, saying, “The potential in trading Auston Matthews—and I thought the Devils were kind of interesting with that too. Toronto would obviously need a center to come back and a defenseman, and I thought the package of Hischier with an extension obviously in place, Nemec, and a 2027 first-round pick is a pretty fair deal for Auston Matthews.”
Lazarus added that despite frequent Matthews trade talk, the Devils are rarely mentioned as a possible destination. “We’ve talked about Auston Matthews, but the Devils never seem to be one of those teams that come up. Would you guys see that as a potential trade partner? I know we’re kind of doing hypothetical now, but I feel like with the Devils, and with Sunny, everything is certainly fair to consider,” he said.
Crucially, Matthews is under contract through the 2027-28 season with a full no-movement clause, making any trade incredibly complicated. He signed a four-year, $53 million extension with the Maple Leafs in 2023, and his influence within the organization means his confidence in the team’s direction could shape future decisions. For now, no concrete plan exists, and both the club and the player are expected to reach a mutual decision in due time. The idea of Matthews joining fellow American Jack Hughes in New Jersey remains an intriguing, albeit distant, possibility.
