New NHL Rumors on Connor McDavid, Auston Matthews and Top 2026 Draft Pick Trade Buzz

Connor McDavid and Auston Matthews are the two biggest names to watch on the trade market this offseason, but it appears both might be staying put.

Per The Athletic's Pierre LeBrun, both Matthews and McDavid "are most likely staying put for at least another season," though he added that "neither can yet commit 100 percent to that."

The Toronto Maple Leafs and Edmonton Oilers are both still on the search for their next head coaches, which LeBrun noted is a factor at play in the case of both stars.

McDavid is under contract through 2027-28 and carries a $12.5 million cap hit in both seasons. Matthews is also tied to the Leafs through 2028 and has a $13.25 million cap hit over the next two years.

According to LeBrun, Matthews and his representation had a meeting with general manager John Chayka and Leafs senior executive adviser of hockey operations Mats Sundin earlier this month that "went well by all accounts," but Matthews and his agent want to see what moves Toronto makes in the coming weeks before making a decision.

McDavid, who has the same representation as Matthews, will likewise wait and see how things develop on the Oilers' front before committing to next season.

The Maple Leafs hold the No. 1 pick, but Chayka "isn't hanging up the phone," according to LeBrun, if teams are interested in trading for it. If Toronto can make a serious upgrade with that pick, it could help the team satisfy Matthews.

LeBrun also noted that the San Jose Sharks, who have the No. 2 pick, and the Chicago Blackhawks, who have the No. 4 pick, are open to trading their selections for the right offer.