Major Development: New York Rangers to Take Serious Run at Toronto Maple Leafs’ Top Star

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In what could become one of the most seismic developments of the NHL offseason, league sources have confirmed that the New York Rangers are preparing to make a serious run at acquiring Toronto Maple Leafs star Auston Matthews—a move that could redefine the balance of power in the Eastern Conference for years to come.

The potential pursuit signals a new level of urgency for the Rangers, who believe they are just one franchise-altering piece away from lifting the Stanley Cup for the first time since 1994. With a new coaching regime in place under Mike Sullivan and a star-studded core led by J.T. Miller, Artemi Panarin, Mika Zibanejad, Adam Fox, and Igor Shesterkin, New York appears ready to make a bold splash.

But could they actually pry away one of the league’s premier talents from a storied Canadian franchise? Here’s a look at everything surrounding the shocking possibility of Auston Matthews in a Rangers sweater—and what it would mean for both clubs.

The Rumblings Begin: Why the Rangers Are Interested

For months, whispers of discontent have emerged from the Toronto camp. While Matthews publicly reaffirmed his commitment to the Leafs after signing a short-term extension in 2023, there’s been ongoing speculation about whether he sees his long-term future in Toronto—especially given their continued postseason disappointments.

Meanwhile, the Rangers are a team on the cusp. After a bitter second-round exit last postseason, team president and general manager Chris Drury took a long look at what it would take to truly go all-in. Sources now suggest the Rangers have identified Matthews as the missing link—someone who can be the offensive cornerstone that puts them over the top.

“This is not just a pipe dream,” one Eastern Conference executive said anonymously. “The Rangers believe they can make it work. And Matthews? He may be open to it.”

A Perfect Fit in the Big Apple?

Let’s be clear: Auston Matthews is a generational talent. The 6’3″, 220-pound center has a rocket of a shot, world-class skating, and defensive instincts that have elevated him into the two-way elite category. He scored a career-high 60 goals in the 2021-22 season and remains one of the most feared players in the league.

On a Rangers team that already boasts elite wingers and one of the NHL’s best goaltenders in Shesterkin, adding Matthews to center the top line would instantly turn New York into a juggernaut.

“Matthews in New York would be terrifying for the rest of the league,” said a former NHL coach turned analyst. “Put him between Panarin and Lafrenière? Or Panarin and Kreider? That’s a nightmare matchup.”

Even more importantly, Matthews would bring a composed leadership presence and a playoff-caliber mentality honed from years in the media firestorm that is Toronto.

“He’s used to pressure,” Rangers forward J.T. Miller told reporters when asked about Matthews during the 2024 season. “That guy’s been under a microscope his entire career and still produces. That tells you everything.”

What Would It Take?

This is the million-dollar question—or perhaps the $13 million AAV question.

Matthews signed a four-year, $53 million extension in August 2023 that keeps him under contract through the 2027-28 season. While that gave Toronto some stability, it also made him an attractive trade target for win-now teams like the Rangers that could absorb the cap hit with some maneuvering.

Any trade would require a monster return. Think:

• A top-six forward (likely Alexis Lafrenière or Kaapo Kakko)
• A top prospect (Brennan Othmann or Gabe Perreault)
• A first-round pick, possibly more
• A roster-ready player to offset salary (Filip Chytil or Barclay Goodrow)

That’s the baseline. And even then, the Leafs would need to be willing to let go of their franchise cornerstone—a move that would require not only hockey logic, but emotional detachment.

Still, there’s reason to believe a deal isn’t completely off the table. Leafs GM Brad Treliving is known for making bold decisions, and Toronto’s recent playoff exits have sparked internal discussions about shaking up the core.

Why Matthews Could Consider the Move

Although Matthews has never publicly requested a trade, multiple sources close to the situation suggest the Arizona native could be open to a move—but only under the right conditions.

Those conditions?

• A legitimate Cup contender
• A major market with strong hockey culture
• A team with cap space and a vision for long-term success

The Rangers check every box.

New York offers Matthews the opportunity to lead a new generation of Rangers into a new era of greatness. He’d be the centerpiece of an Original Six franchise in the biggest media market in the world. And under Mike Sullivan, he’d be working with a coach who knows how to win.

“He doesn’t want to waste his prime years,” one NHL insider explained. “The Leafs have come up short again and again. The Rangers? They’re a sleeping giant.”

Cap Considerations and Roster Implications

Acquiring Matthews would require some financial juggling.

The Rangers currently sit near the cap ceiling, and Matthews’ $13.25 million AAV would make him the highest-paid player in franchise history. To make the numbers work, Drury would likely need to move multiple contracts—potentially including Chytil ($4.4M), Goodrow ($3.6M), and perhaps even explore buyout options or retained salary transactions.

There’s also the question of how Matthews would fit into the leadership hierarchy. Mika Zibanejad has served as the team’s de facto top center and is deeply respected in the room. However, insiders believe Zibanejad would welcome the help, not view Matthews as a threat.

“He’s all about winning,” one Rangers coach said of Zibanejad. “If adding a player like Matthews brings us closer to a Cup, Mika’s the first guy to say, ‘Let’s go.’”

The Leafs’ Perspective: Why They Might Listen

This move wouldn’t just be about the Rangers’ ambition—it would reflect Toronto’s desperation to change a narrative of consistent postseason failure.

After years of building around Matthews, Mitch Marner, and William Nylander, the Leafs have little to show for it beyond regular-season highlights and first-round exits. Something has to give.

There’s already widespread belief that Marner will be moved this summer, given his looming UFA status and declining playoff performances. But if Treliving and the Leafs’ front office feel that they’ve peaked with this core, Matthews might not be untouchable.

“You trade him only if the return gives you depth, cap space, and a new identity,” said a former Leafs executive. “The Rangers could offer that.”

A Potential Blockbuster Package

Here’s a hypothetical trade proposal making rounds among insiders:

To Toronto:

• Alexis Lafrenière (22, breakout season, team control)
• Brennan Othmann (top forward prospect)
• Filip Chytil (25, versatile middle-six center)
• 2025 first-round pick
• Conditional 2026 second-round pick (becomes first if Matthews re-signs)

To New York:

• Auston Matthews

This trade would give the Leafs a high-ceiling young winger, a blue-chip prospect, a capable center, and two valuable picks—all while clearing Matthews’ salary.

For the Rangers, it would cost them dearly—but bring in the league’s premier sniper and solidify a championship window.

League Reaction: “A Game-Changer”

Across the NHL, the possibility of Matthews in a Rangers sweater is being described as a potential “league-shifting” event.

“You’d have to put them right at the top of the Stanley Cup odds,” ESPN analyst and former player Ray Ferraro said. “Matthews, Panarin, Fox, Shesterkin? That’s an All-Star team.”

Even Vegas oddsmakers have taken note. Futures for the 2025-26 season shifted subtly upon reports of the Rangers’ pursuit, with their Cup odds moving from +1200 to +900 in early betting markets.

The Mike Sullivan Factor

Another under-the-radar detail is the presence of Mike Sullivan behind the bench. Sullivan coached against Matthews and the Leafs for years while with the Penguins, and reportedly holds great respect for the center’s all-around game.

“Sullivan would love to coach a player like Auston,” a former Penguins assistant said. “He demands two-way responsibility, and Matthews can give him that in spades.”

Sullivan’s credibility and championship pedigree may help sway Matthews if the opportunity arises.

What It All Means

If the Rangers pull this off, it will be one of the most aggressive moves in recent franchise history—on par with the 1994 acquisition of Mark Messier or the 2021 signing of Artemi Panarin.

It would send a clear message: The time is now.

For a team that’s danced around contention but failed to go the distance, this could be the final piece of the puzzle. And for Matthews, it may offer the freedom and support he needs to elevate his legacy from elite scorer to championship icon.

A Gamble Worth Taking

Yes, the price would be steep. Yes, there are cap hurdles. And yes, it would involve gutting some of the team’s young depth.

But championships demand risk. And in Auston Matthews, the Rangers would be acquiring a rare player whose presence changes everything—on the ice, in the locker room, and across the league.

If Chris Drury has the nerve—and if Toronto is finally ready to entertain a new direction—this blockbuster could happen.

And if it does, hockey fans better buckle up.

Because the New York Rangers won’t just be chasing the Cup.

They’ll be the team to beat.