Trade speculation continues to swirl around Auston Matthews’ Toronto Maple Leafs and Sidney Crosby‘s Pittsburgh Penguins, as both teams explore options to reshape their rosters ahead of the 2025-26 NHL season. With the Leafs in search of a top-six upgrade and the Penguins eyeing long-term draft positioning, talks between the two franchises have gained significant traction.
Over the past several weeks, Toronto has been consistently linked to veteran Penguins such as Rickard Rakell, Bryan Rust, and even former Norris Trophy winner Erik Karlsson. Leafs GM Brad Treliving is reportedly eager to add proven scoring depth, while Penguins president Kyle Dubas may be willing to part with key pieces as Pittsburgh considers a strategic shift aimed at improving their odds of selecting 2026 draft sensation Gavin McKenna. The framework for a mutually beneficial deal appears to be in place—what remains is the right timing.
That timing could arrive sooner than expected. NHL insider Elliotte Friedman weighed in on the situation, noting that while no trade is imminent, momentum is likely to build before the summer concludes. “I don’t think there’s anything imminent there on any file; I’m assuming things are gonna heat up later in the summer,” Friedman said. His comments suggest that both organizations are laying the groundwork behind the scenes, and a major move may only be a matter of weeks away.
Could the Maple Leafs’ urgency force Kyle Dubas’ hand?
Though no deal has materialized yet, Toronto’s aggressive push for a top-six forward may soon shift the dynamics. The Leafs’ front office is under pressure to make a statement acquisition, and both Rakell and Rust fit the bill as proven scorers with playoff experience. Their presence alongside Auston Matthews could bolster Toronto’s offensive threat.
Why timing could define this high-stakes move
With the offseason entering its final stretch, time is becoming a factor. If Dubas is serious about reshaping Pittsburgh’s roster and boosting their draft odds, he may need to accept a reasonable return. Toronto, in turn, has valuable trade chips like Nick Robertson and Dennis Hildeby—assets that could sweeten the deal without weakening the Leafs’ core.
A blockbuster trade isn’t guaranteed—but if both sides remain motivated, this deal could become one of the defining NHL moments of the summer.
SURVEY Which Penguins player should the Maple Leafs prioritize in a potential trade?
Which Penguins player should the Maple Leafs prioritize in a potential trade?
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