DONE DEAL: Montreal Canadiens Beat Rival to Secure Auston Matthews in Exchange for First-Round Pick
In a stunning move that has sent shockwaves through the NHL, the Montreal Canadiens have completed a blockbuster trade to acquire superstar center Auston Matthews from the Toronto Maple Leafs. The deal, finalized earlier today, sees the Canadiens sending a future first-round pick to their longtime rivals in exchange for one of the league’s elite talents.
A Rivalry Reignited
The Canadiens and Maple Leafs boast one of the fiercest rivalries in hockey history, and this deal only adds more fuel to the fire. It’s exceedingly rare to see star players traded between these two Original Six franchises, which makes this transaction all the more dramatic.
Sources close to the negotiations report that several teams were in pursuit of Matthews, but Montreal ultimately outbid them with a first-round pick offer that Toronto couldn’t ignore. The pick is expected to fall in the mid-to-late first round of the upcoming NHL Draft.
Matthews, 27, is a generational talent and former Hart Trophy winner who has consistently ranked among the league’s top goal scorers. In the 2024–25 season alone, he posted 52 goals and 40 assists, once again proving his dominance as a premier offensive force.
His arrival in Montreal marks a turning point for the Canadiens, who have been rebuilding around a core of young players like Cole Caufield, Nick Suzuki, and Juraj Slafkovský. With Matthews in the lineup, Montreal instantly transforms into a playoff contender and potentially a Stanley Cup threat.
Toronto’s Calculated Gamble
From Toronto’s perspective, the move is part of a larger strategic shift. With Matthews nearing unrestricted free agency and commanding a hefty cap hit, the Leafs opted to cash in now rather than risk losing him for nothing. The first-round pick adds a valuable asset for their future plans—though fans may find little solace in watching their franchise player join their biggest rival.