The Toronto Maple Leafs are already busy dealing with various trade rumors, and now, more drama has emerged. Amid the ongoing speculation surrounding forward Mitch Marner, another key player has added fuel to the fire. Auston Matthews posted a picture of his dog on Instagram on July 12, which, according to Chris Gosselin from Hockey Feed, has ignited “crazy” speculation about a potential trade involving Utah Hockey Club forward Clayton Keller.
Auston Matthews and Clayton Keller’s dogs are having a play date. pic.twitter.com/XT3S5jzkAb
— Adam Laskaris (@adam_la2karis) July 11, 2024
Adam Laskaris of Daily Hive Toronto highlighted a tweet showing Matthews’ dog having a play date with Keller’s dog, suggesting that both players spent time together in July. This simple Instagram story led fans to speculate about a possible reunion in Toronto via trade.
Adding to the rumors, Matthews and Keller attended UFC 303 together at the end of June, further fueling speculation. Gosselin speculated that the Coyotes’ relocation to Salt Lake City might have unsettled Keller, possibly leading him to request a trade to Toronto to play alongside his friend Matthews.
Keller, who signed an eight-year, $57.2 million contract with the Coyotes in 2019, has been a key player for the team, scoring 166 goals and providing 252 assists in 520 games. With the Coyotes’ move to Utah, Keller might welcome a move to Toronto.
One potential trade proposal suggested on PuckPedia involved sending Keller, Dylan Guenther, and Juuso Valimaki to Toronto in exchange for Marner, Timothy Liljegren, and Topi Niemela. Despite the speculation, Keller downplayed the rumors, stating his focus on his current team and expressing his love for the group in Arizona.
During the 2024 NHL All-Star Game, Matthews selected Keller for his team, praising him as an “unbelievable player” and mentioning their summer training sessions together. Keller echoed these sentiments, highlighting their strong chemistry on and off the ice.
Meanwhile, Marner, who has a full no-move clause in his contract, expressed his desire to stay in Toronto and sign a new contract. He is under contract for one more year with a $10.9 million cap hit and can become a free agent in 2025. Marner emphasized his love for Toronto and his hope to remain with the team.
NHL insider Chris Johnston believes Marner will stay with the Leafs and seek an extension, despite the speculation. Johnston noted that Marner is determined to perform well and regain the full support of the fans.
As the trade rumors swirl, the Maple Leafs and their fans are left to wonder how these potential moves will impact the team’s future.
