Here for the Toronto and Winnipeg fans. Terrible return for Matthews and that offer isn't getting Helle.

Hear me out: How about we trade Matthews for more than what AZ got for Chychrun? Or even better: extend him?

Everyone knows that answer is using a few of those assets to package with JT to get off that anchor.

1) that Matthews trade is awful return for the leafs, sure he disappeared offensively in the 2nd round (probably from confusion of not knowing there was even a 2nd round) Any Matthews trade there starts with either Cozens or Thompson.

2) Matthews wants the spotlight, the big city, I highly doubt he waives for Buffalo.

Extending him is not up to the Leafs, it's up to Matthews, most pundits think he wants out of the pressure cooker of Toronto, especially if his next deal is $13M+ he knows he'll constantly be under the scrutiny of the media and fans, better to take that in L.A. or Arizona where you can fly under the radar and not deal with the winters of Canada.

You are not getting a 30-40 goal scorer who puts up 80-90 points a year, and is signed for the next 8 years at $7 mil/year on a contract that ends when they are in their early 30s for a one year rental. Thompson and Cozens are about as untouchable as a player gets.

Sure, but why don't you at least try and extend him or, try to run it back for 1 more year

Again, a contract is 2-sided.

The Leafs will try.

Most likely Matthews wants out.... the Leafs fans should remember what happened with Sundin to know that possibly losing a top-end piece for nothing is a bad way to continue the teams growth, and if Matthews most likely wants out, then it's really not worth taking the chance to lose him for nothing, try and get some assets in return to make the departure less painful.

It's risk assessment 101.

I agree.....

And Matthews doesn't waive for Buffalo.... so, it's likely a non-starter.

And pretty sure a hypothetical deal like that would be along the Tkachuk deal where a contract was likely already discussed before the deal went through.

Why give any assets for Matthew's when if he wants I can just sign him in FA

Why would Matthews most likely want out? The only people saying that are either Leafs haters or Leafs fans whom want attention... Matthews is beloved in TO

If Matthews waives, he's prob. going to resign in BUF.

I actually think Matthews would waive to go to buffalo for a year. He and Granatro are close from the USDT, and I believe he and Thompson are close. Also He would get the chance to stick it to the leafs 4 times a year. I just don't see the Leafs doing it. They would certainly try to send him west.

Maybe, but they would have to pay him $13-15 mil/year. So that still would not get you a 30 goal 80 point center in their early 20s making $7mil a year for the next 8 years.

Early??????? He's the same age as Matthews and hasn't won an MVP/2 time Rokect Richard/top 10 in Selke/top 5 player in the NHL

Cozens is 22, that is early.
I'm not saying Tage is the better player, but he is still a great player who will literally make half as much.

Matthews is better, but not nearly twice as much as his next contract will dictate. That’s why Thompson will be the more valuable asset going forward (this presuming Matthews wants 12.5-13.5)

I wasn't talking about Cozens but rather Tage...

Matthews' sheer marketing ability would make up the cost financially and just how dangerous he always is on the ice could prove distraction for other guys to have opportunities (see Jarnkrok, Marner and Nylander). On top of that, his defensive play/puck recoveries is arguably the best in the league for a forward

Matthews doesn't have any NTC or NMC until July 1. But I highly doubt BUF would ever trade for him.