Will they or won't they? That's the question that's at the forefront of the Leafs offseason and it pertains to the core four and will they or won't they move at least one of those pieces.
Auston Matthews, while stating would still love to be a Toronto Maple Leaf is set for a big pay day and the Leafs may not be in a position to offer him a contract worthy of staying put.
If he does decide to bolt there are some great landing spots for him and teams would be salivating at the opportunity to have a 60-goal center in wearing their colors.
Here are five spots Matthews could suit up in the foreseeable future:
Arizona Coyotes
Matthews grew up in Scottsdale, Arizona, so a return to his home state could be intriguing. The Coyotes would benefit greatly from his offensive prowess, and he would become the face of the franchise in their rebuilding efforts.
Colorado Avalanche
The Avalanche are a strong team with a talented roster, and adding Matthews to their lineup would make them even more formidable. Playing alongside elite players like Nathan MacKinnon and Mikko Rantanen could create a dominant offensive force.
New York Rangers
The Rangers are an Original Six team with a passionate fan base and a desire to win. They have the financial resources to make a big move like acquiring Matthews, and he would add a significant boost to their scoring depth.
Los Angeles Kings
The Kings have been rebuilding and have a promising group of young players. Adding Matthews to their lineup would accelerate their progress and provide a top-tier center to lead their offense. Playing in the vibrant city of Los Angeles could also appeal to Matthews.
Chicago Blackhawks
The Blackhawks have a history of success and are currently in the process of retooling their roster. Adding Matthews a year after drafting Connor Bedard would be a major statement and would solidify their position as contenders. Playing in a passionate hockey market like Chicago could also be appealing to him.