- Chris Johnston says only Auston Matthews is off-limits in Toronto’s new front office
- William Nylander, Morgan Rielly, John Tavares, and Matthew Knies are all reportedly available
- Read below for Johnston’s exact quote, the no-move clause hurdles, and the full video breakdown
The Toronto Maple Leafs are open for business this summer, and only one name is staying out of the conversation.
TSN insider Chris Johnston reported Tuesday on his podcast that new general manager John Chayka has signaled to the rest of the league every player on the roster is fair game in trade talks. Every player except captain Auston Matthews.
“The message that’s come out of their front office is they’re willing to discuss any players on their roster except Auston Matthews,” Johnston said. “They’re open to at least hearing what you have to say on any player but Matthews.”
Bryan Hayes, Jeff O’Neill and Jamie McLennan dug into the report on TSN’s Overdrive, with Hayes saying he was curious what a Nylander market would even look like. Watch their video breakdown:
That list of supposedly available names is loaded. William Nylander, Morgan Rielly, John Tavares, and Matthew Knies are all in play per Johnston, along with role pieces like Max Domi, Jake McCabe, Chris Tanev, Brandon Carlo, Joseph Woll, and Anthony Stolarz.
The catch is the paperwork. Nylander and Rielly both carry full no-movement clauses for the rest of their deals, and Tavares has a no-move for next season. None of them moves without signing off on the destination.
“Some of those names that could potentially be available, it’s not as available as it might seem on the surface,” Johnston said. “But it does seem as though, taking this job, John Chayka is considering basically anything but his captain.”
Nylander is the most interesting name on the board. He led Toronto in scoring with 79 points (30g, 49a) in 65 games this past season and has six years left at an $11.5 million cap hit. He also has ties to Washington through his dad Michael’s run with the Capitals, which puts D.C. on the short list of potential trade partners if the Swede ever decides to waive.
Chayka has not eased into the job. He has already fired head coach Craig Berube and parted with assistant GMs Brent Pridham and Brandon Clancey since taking over.
Matthews has his own decision looming. He told reporters at exit interviews he wants to see “real action” from the new regime before committing to a future in Toronto. The captain holds a full no-movement clause for the rest of his deal.
Here’s the full video from Tuesday’s Chris Johnston Show:
Toronto picks first overall at the 2026 NHL Draft. The roster around Matthews is about to look a lot different.
