Ranking the Best Potential Destinations for Top Prospect Auston Matthews

NHL teams outside the playoffs will finish their schedules this weekend and begin the process of rebuilding for next year. Players will have their final media availabilities, head coaches will talk about the disappointments and the encouraging developments and general managers will talk about the importance of free agency, trades to adjust the roster and the entry draft.

Auston Matthews' name will probably come up in those media events, as every team with a chance to win the lottery will be scouting the 18-year-old, a potential franchise cornerstone available for one lucky team on April 30.

Here are, in order of best available fit, the ideal destinations for the probable No. 1 overall pick.

6. Calgary Flames

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CALGARY, AB - APRIL 5: Johnny Gaudreau #13 of the Calgary Flames in action against the Los Angeles Kings during an NHL game at Scotiabank Saddledome on April 5, 2016 in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. (Photo by Derek Leung/Getty Images)

What Are Their Current Odds? The Calgary Flames have an 8.5 percent chance of winning the lottery on April 30. There are currently four teams ahead of them in the pecking order.

Why Are They a Perfect Fit? Calgary has a nice group of young forwards, including the brilliant Johnny Gaudreau. If the Flames win the lottery, a Gaudreau-Matthews combination would be a frightening line and a combination of high skill and great power.

What Will Happen if They Win? The Flames would be a great spot for Matthews. On a young and upcoming team, he could step in and play a lot without needing to be an instant savior. They are a rebuilding team, so the chances of Calgary trading the pick are poor.

5. Vancouver Canucks

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What Are Their Current Odds? The Vancouver Canucks are currently ranked No. 4 in lottery odds with an 11.5 percent chance of winning. 

Why Are They a Perfect Fit? Of all the teams eligible for the lottery, the Canucks need to win the most. Despite playing in the Stanley Cup Final in 2011, the team has eroded, and their draft picks have not been impact players.

What Will Happen if They Win? Vancouver might be a good trade match for the Arizona Coyotes, who will probably push for the No. 1 overall selection. The Canucks would be foolish to deal the top pick, though, and if they win, Auston Matthews is likely to land on the West Coast.

4. Toronto Maple Leafs

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What Are Their Current Odds? The Toronto Maple Leafs rank No. 1 among teams eligible to win the 2016 lottery—and they have a 20.0 percent chance to win. 

Why Are They a Perfect Fit? Toronto is in full rebuild mode, having drafted nine players in 2015, and they could have as many as 12 picks in the 2016 draft. Every rebuild needs a franchise cornerstone, and Matthews would be ideal.

What Will Happen if They Win? The nature of the lottery this year is that the team with the best chance to win has an 80 percent chance of losing. Although it is unlikely, the Maple Leafs have been looking for a No. 1 center since Mats Sundin left town in the summer of 2008. If they win the lottery, Matthews will be the pick.

3. Edmonton Oilers

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What Are Their Current Odds? The Edmonton Oilers have a 13.5 percent chance of winning the lottery. The league's luckiest lottery team is once again in prime position. 

Why Are They a Perfect Fit? Edmonton has collected forwards with most of its top draft picks over the last decade. Although Matthews is also a forward, it gives general manager Peter Chiarelli the freedom to trade the pick—or keep it and deal one of his talented young forwards for defensive help.

What Will Happen if They Win? The Oilers are the most likely team to deal the pick after winning, but the chances of a trade are not high. Matthews projects as an impact player, and he could be a key addition. Edmonton is more likely to trade one of its current centers—Ryan Nugent-Hopkins or Leon Draisaitl—should it win the lottery.

2. Buffalo Sabres

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What Are Their Current Odds? The Buffalo Sabres have a 6.0 percent chance of winning the lottery on April 30. They are No. 8 on the list of teams with the best chance to win what could be called the Matthews sweepstakes. 

Why Are They a Perfect Fit? Buffalo drafted Jack Eichel No. 2 overall last year, and adding Matthews would give the team a formidable depth chart at center. It would also give Sabres fans and management a far better lottery experience than a year ago. In the 2015 lottery, Buffalo was favored to win the No. 1 overall pick but lost to the Edmonton Oilers.

What Will Happen if They Win? Buffalo is rebuilding, but there are signs it is ready to contend—possibly as early as next year. Adding Matthews to the team would be an enormous bit of good luck—probably Buffalo's biggest draft moment since winning the 1970 No. 1 overall pick that became franchise icon Gilbert Perreault.

1. Arizona Coyotes

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What Are Their Current Odds? The Arizona Coyotes have a 6.5 percent chance of winning the lottery and rank No. 7 overall in draft odds.

Why Are They a Perfect Fit? Auston Matthews is from Scottsdale, Arizona, and grew up as a Coyotes fan. The organization could have a field day in terms of marketing its brilliant future with Matthews as the centerpiece. 

What Will Happen if They Win? The Coyotes will take Matthews if they win the lottery; there is zero chance of another outcome. There is also a strong chance the organization makes a push to trade for the pick no matter the result. Arizona could offer a handsome package for the No. 1 overall pick. This is a major story to follow leading up to the draft.

Draft odds per CBC Sports.