Completely unexpected destination emerges for Auston Matthews according to two credible insiders
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Daniel Lucente
Jun 14, 2026 (11:18)
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Photo credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images
David Pagnotta dropped a name on Leafs Morning Take that Toronto fans did not want to hear.
The San Jose Sharks, he said, would be fully engaged if Auston Matthews ever became available.
Pagnotta made clear nothing is imminent. But in Toronto, conditional future rumors never stay that way for long.
Re Auston Matthews future: "If slash when this ever happens, I fully expect San Jose to be in the mix; I don't think that's something happening now, but if ever it gets to that point, I expect the Sharks to be fully engaged in that mix."
- David Pagnotta
- David Pagnotta
Here is the piece of this story that keeps getting skipped. Matthews carries a full no-movement clause on his current deal, which runs through the 2027-28 season at $13.25 million per year.
The Toronto Maple Leafs cannot move him anywhere he has not personally approved.
San Jose can prepare every pitch they want. This only happens if Matthews decides he wants out of Toronto, and then specifically signs off on the Sharks as his destination.
That is not a minor detail - it is the entire mechanism.
Why two insider voices change the temperature
Darren Dreger also put San Jose in the conversation while spitballing on possible destinations, which means the Sharks have now drawn two credible insider mentions in a compressed window.
Their case is easy to build on paper. Macklin Celebrini led the team with 45 goals last season, the cap room is substantial, and the draft assets are deep enough to put together a real offer.
But GM John Chayka took over a franchise mid-reset this spring, fired Craig Berube in May, and is currently working through a head coach search.
The entire overhaul is designed to give Matthews a compelling reason to stay.
The real burden falls on Chayka
Nobody outside of Matthews makes this move happen. The Sharks can stay ready.
What Chayka cannot afford is a slow start or another messy season that drags every open question back into public view.
San Jose only becomes a genuine threat if Toronto gives Matthews a reason to consider leaving. That part is entirely up to the Leafs.
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