{"id":591269,"date":"2026-04-08T23:34:09","date_gmt":"2026-04-08T23:34:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/591269\/"},"modified":"2026-04-08T23:34:09","modified_gmt":"2026-04-08T23:34:09","slug":"pittsburgh-penguins-emerging-as-destination-for-auston-matthews-or-william-nylander-the-hockey-writers-toronto-maple-leafs","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/591269\/","title":{"rendered":"Pittsburgh Penguins Emerging as Destination for Auston Matthews or William Nylander – The Hockey Writers – Toronto Maple Leafs"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Pittsburgh Penguins<\/a> are entering a fascinating crossroads as the organization balances its aging core with the need to build toward the future. With Sidney Crosby<\/a> and Evgeni Malkin<\/a> still leading the way, the window to contend hasn\u2019t fully closed \u2014 but it\u2019s narrowing.<\/p>\n

That\u2019s why the idea of the Penguins emerging as a destination<\/a> for either Auston Matthews or William Nylander, should the Toronto Maple Leafs pivot their core, is gaining traction. It\u2019s bold, headline-grabbing, and complicated \u2014 but not impossible.<\/p>\n

At the center of it all is one key figure: Kyle Dubas.<\/p>\n

Dubas Connection Makes Penguins a Real Contender<\/p>\n

Dubas\u2019 history with both Matthews and Nylander is what elevates Pittsburgh from a hypothetical landing spot to a legitimate one. As the former general manager in Toronto, Dubas was instrumental in building around that core and maintaining strong relationships with both players.<\/p>\n

\"AustonToronto Maple Leafs forward William Nylander and forward Auston Matthews (John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images)<\/p>\n

That familiarity matters. There\u2019s already an established level of trust, particularly between Dubas and Nylander, who has long been viewed as one of Dubas\u2019 biggest internal supporters during their time in Toronto. Matthews, as the franchise centerpiece, also worked closely with Dubas throughout contract negotiations and roster construction.<\/p>\n

Related: 3 Penguins Who Have Aided the Playoff Push<\/a><\/p>\n

If either player were to become available \u2014 whether through trade demands or organizational direction \u2014 the Penguins would likely be on the short list of teams those players would consider.<\/p>\n

Any Deal Starts with Rutger McGroarty<\/p>\n

If the Penguins are serious about acquiring a player of this caliber, it won\u2019t come cheap \u2014 and it shouldn\u2019t. Any conversation with Toronto would almost certainly begin with Rutger McGroarty.<\/p>\n

McGroarty represents exactly the type of asset the Maple Leafs would demand in a blockbuster deal: a high-end young forward with upside, cost control, and the ability to step into a larger role relatively quickly. Given Toronto\u2019s need to reshape its roster and potentially get younger and more flexible, McGroarty would be non-negotiable in discussions.<\/p>\n

From Pittsburgh\u2019s perspective, that\u2019s a steep price. McGroarty is viewed as part of their future, especially as they prepare for life after Crosby and Malkin. Moving him would signal a clear \u201cwin-now\u201d push \u2014 one that aligns with acquiring a superstar like Matthews or Nylander.<\/p>\n

Cap Space Makes It Possible \u2014 At the Right Price<\/p>\n

One of the biggest reasons this conversation isn\u2019t purely hypothetical is Pittsburgh\u2019s projected financial flexibility.<\/p>\n

The Penguins are expected to have roughly $46 million in cap space<\/a> next season. That kind of room gives them the ability to absorb a major contract, whether it\u2019s Matthews\u2019 steep cap hit or Nylander\u2019s long-term deal.<\/p>\n

But just because it\u2019s doable doesn\u2019t mean it\u2019s simple. The Penguins would need to carefully structure their roster to ensure they remain competitive across multiple lines. Adding a superstar is one thing \u2014 maintaining depth afterward is another. Toronto would likely want additional assets beyond McGroarty, including picks and possibly roster players, which could thin out Pittsburgh\u2019s lineup.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s a balancing act: star power versus depth.<\/p>\n

Matthews vs. Nylander: Penguins Would Have to Choose<\/p>\n

Let\u2019s be clear \u2014 the Penguins are not getting both.<\/p>\n

Even with significant cap space, acquiring both Matthews and Nylander would be unrealistic from both a financial and asset standpoint. The cost in futures, roster players, and long-term cap commitments would be overwhelming.<\/p>\n

So, if Pittsburgh goes down this path, they\u2019ll need to choose. And while both players bring elite talent, they offer very different impacts.<\/p>\n

Matthews: The Franchise-Altering Centerpiece<\/p>\n

On paper, Matthews is the more attractive option \u2014 and likely the Penguins\u2019 first choice.<\/p>\n

He\u2019s a generational goal scorer, a dominant two-way center, and a player capable of redefining a franchise\u2019s identity. Slotting Matthews into Pittsburgh\u2019s lineup would give them a legitimate successor to Crosby down the middle, something few organizations ever get the opportunity to do seamlessly.<\/p>\n

Imagine a transition where Crosby passes the torch to Matthews \u2014 it\u2019s the kind of move that keeps a franchise competitive while also setting up its next era.<\/p>\n

However, there is one factor that cannot be ignored: health. Matthews has dealt with injuries throughout his career, and while he remains elite when on the ice, availability is always part of the equation. For a team investing heavily in both cap space and trade assets, durability becomes a critical consideration.<\/p>\n

Still, if the Penguins believe Matthews can stay healthy, he\u2019s the swing-for-the-fences move.<\/p>\n

Nylander: The Perfect Fit for Wing Depth<\/p>\n

If Matthews is the blockbuster, Nylander might be the smarter fit.<\/p>\n

The Penguins have long needed to improve their wing depth, particularly alongside their top centers. Nylander brings elite scoring ability, playmaking, and consistency on the wing \u2014 all areas Pittsburgh could immediately benefit from.<\/p>\n

He\u2019s also proven he can drive offense independently, making him a strong fit regardless of line combinations.<\/p>\n

Adding Nylander wouldn\u2019t just strengthen the top six \u2014 it would create a more balanced offensive attack throughout the lineup. That\u2019s something Pittsburgh has struggled with in recent seasons, often relying too heavily on its aging core.<\/p>\n

From a risk standpoint, Nylander may also present fewer concerns than Matthews, particularly when it comes to durability.<\/p>\n

A Bold Move That Signals a New Direction<\/p>\n

Ultimately, any move for Matthews or Nylander would represent a major philosophical shift for the Penguins.<\/p>\n

\"KrisPittsburgh Penguins defenseman Kris Letang and center Sidney Crosby and center Evgeni Malkin stand as they are recognized as the longest tenured teammates in North American professional sports history before their twentieth season together prior to the game against the New York Islanders (Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images)<\/p>\n

This wouldn\u2019t just be about adding talent \u2014 it would be about redefining the team\u2019s trajectory.<\/p>\n

With Crosby and Malkin still producing, Pittsburgh isn\u2019t in full rebuild mode. But they\u2019re also not the dominant force they once were. Acquiring one of Toronto\u2019s stars would be a way to bridge the gap between eras \u2014 staying competitive now while building toward the future.<\/p>\n

Dubas is in a unique position to make that happen. He knows the players, understands their value, and has the organizational backing (and cap flexibility) to explore bold options.<\/p>\n

Looking Ahead<\/p>\n

The idea of the Penguins landing Matthews or Nylander is far from guaranteed \u2014 and it would take a perfect storm of circumstances to materialize.<\/p>\n

Toronto would need to decide to move one of its core pieces. Pittsburgh would need to be willing to part with significant assets, starting with McGroarty. And both sides would need to align on value.<\/p>\n

\"SUBSCRIBE<\/a><\/p>\n

But if it does happen, it would be one of the most impactful moves in recent NHL history.<\/p>\n

Between the Dubas connection, the Penguins\u2019 cap space, and their need to plan for the future, don\u2019t be surprised if Pittsburgh is firmly in the mix should the Maple Leafs explore that path.<\/p>\n

And if they do \u2014 expect them to aim high, with Matthews likely at the top of their list.<\/p>\n

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