BREAKING NEWS: Toronto Maple Leafs to Trade Auston Matthews to Chicago Blackhawks
Toronto, ON — In one of the most stunning moves in recent NHL history, the Toronto Maple Leafs have agreed to trade superstar center Auston Matthews to the Chicago Blackhawks, sources confirmed Monday morning.
The deal, finalized after days of intense negotiations, sends Matthews to Chicago in exchange for a blockbuster package: young forward Lukas Reichel, defenseman Kevin Korchinski, Chicago’s 2025 first-round pick (unprotected), and a 2026 second-round pick. The trade is pending a final league approval and physicals but is expected to be officially announced within the next 24 hours.
A Franchise-Altering Move
Matthews, 26, has been the face of the Maple Leafs since being selected first overall in the 2016 NHL Draft. In eight seasons, he scored 368 goals and added 291 assists in 561 regular-season games, becoming one of the league’s most feared offensive threats and a fan favorite in Toronto.
However, despite regular-season success, the Leafs repeatedly stumbled in the playoffs, leading to organizational frustrations. Matthews had signed a four-year extension last summer, but behind-the-scenes tensions regarding the team’s long-term direction — and a desire from management to retool the roster — opened the door for this stunning trade.
“This is one of the hardest decisions we’ve had to make,” Maple Leafs General Manager Brad Treliving said in a brief statement. “Auston is a world-class player and person. But after long discussions, we believe this move is necessary for our team’s future competitiveness.”
Why Chicago?
For the Blackhawks, the acquisition of Matthews is a franchise-defining moment. Fresh off drafting generational prospect Connor Bedard first overall in 2023, Chicago now pairs two of the NHL’s brightest stars in an electrifying young core.
“Auston is one of the premier talents in the league,” said Blackhawks GM Kyle Davidson. “Adding him to our roster accelerates our competitive window tremendously. We are building something special here, and today is a monumental step forward.”
Matthews is expected to center the top line alongside Bedard, creating one of the league’s most formidable offensive duos.
Toronto’s Return
In exchange for their franchise centerpiece, Toronto receives two top prospects in Reichel and Korchinski, along with high draft capital.
Lukas Reichel, 21, is a dynamic forward who showed flashes of stardom with the Blackhawks this past season, scoring 17 goals and 32 points in 68 games.
Kevin Korchinski, 20, is a highly regarded young defenseman drafted 7th overall in 2022 and viewed as a future top-pairing blue-liner.
The 2025 first-round pick and 2026 second-round pick further bolster Toronto’s future assets, allowing them flexibility to either draft high-end talent or maneuver in future trades.
“We’re not rebuilding — we’re reloading,” Treliving emphasized. “We believe the players and picks we’ve acquired position us for sustained success.”
Reactions Pour In
The hockey world exploded with reactions to the news:
Wayne Gretzky, on TNT: “This is the biggest trade we’ve seen in a long time. Matthews and Bedard? That’s must-watch hockey.”
Connor McDavid, Oilers captain: “It’s crazy. Auston’s one of the best. Chicago’s going to be scary.”
Toronto fans flooded social media with mixed emotions, trending hashtags like #ThankYouAuston and #NewEraLeafs.
Even Matthews himself broke his silence with a heartfelt post on Instagram:
“Toronto, you made me who I am. I’ll always love this city. Excited for the next chapter in Chicago.”
What’s Next?
The Maple Leafs are expected to introduce Reichel and Korchinski at a press conference later this week. Speculation has already begun about further changes in Toronto, with questions swirling around the futures of Mitch Marner and William Nylander.
Meanwhile, the Blackhawks are reportedly planning a major media event to unveil Matthews alongside Bedard, celebrating what could be the most dynamic offensive pairing in hockey today.
Stay with us for continuing coverage as this monumental trade becomes official and reshapes the NHL landscape.
