Auston Matthews' recent social media activity leads to some wild speculation

Everyone is well aware of all of the Mitch Marner rumours out there, with some suggesting that Marner is as good as gone this summer. Others believe that Marner will stick around and sign an extension. Regardless of what Marner decides to do, the rumours will not cease until he is either extended or traded.

One of the potential trade destinations that has been proposed for Marner is the new Utah Hockey Club, formerly the Arizona Coyotes. How does this all tie in? Well, Matthews tagged Clayton Keller in a photo of their two dogs enjoying a "play date".

Now, just because Matthews and Keller are spending time together this summer doesn't necessarily mean anything in terms of an imminent trade. Matthews and Keller have long been close, and often train together in the summers. However, knowing this fact hasn't stopped some from speculating.

With Keller still having 4 years left on his current deal at $7.15M per season, he is certainly an affordable piece, but with the Leafs' cap situation being what it is, someone will have to go if they do opt to make a push to acquire Keller. Marner remains the most likely candidate to move if the Leafs do indeed pursue another star forward.

Obviously, there's no way for us to know what Matthews and Keller talk about when they get together, but with how close they are as friends, it wouldn't be shocking if they had a desire to take to the ice as linemates sooner or later.

Source: PuckPedia
Clayton Keller salary information