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Ex-Leaf shares highly controversial take on the Leafs in relation to Auston Matthews

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Ben Hodgson
February 21, 2024  (9:54)
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Auston Matthews has reached a new level of ridiculous this season. Six hat tricks, a 74-goal pace, not to mention the rest of his game. Matthews sits first in the NHL in goals, and second in primary points.

Among forwards, Matthews is 3rd in blocked shots and 5th in takeaways. On top of that, he's only taken 2 minor penalties this season. An argument could be made that Matthews should be in the conversation for the Hart, Ted Lindsay, Selke and Lady Byng Trophies on top of the Rocket Richard Trophy he seems well on his way to to reclaiming. Yeah, he's been that good.

It was this absolutely ridiculous level of play that prompted Carlo Colaiacovo's bold words on TSN 1050's First Up.

"I honestly believe that as long as Auston Matthews is a Toronto Maple Leaf, your approach every deadline should be do whatever it takes to make this team better, regardless of the cost. You can't waste Auston Matthews years. You just can't." - Carlo Coliacovo

In Coalicovo's opinion, the Leafs should be prepared to empty the cabinets completely. Picks, prospects, even young NHLers, if the deal will make the team better. We have this year and four more with Matthews on the roster as a guarantee. After that, there's always a chance that he leaves. Every year between now and then should be spent going for it.

On some level, I agree. There's no such thing as a throwaway year with Matthews on the roster. The only caveat I would add is that trading away a prospect that has a solid chance of becoming an impact player during Matthews' tenure; players like Knies, Minten and Cowan, should only be considered if the return is not only an impact player, but one with term. Auston Matthews is the best hockey player to ever don the blue and white. He needs to be given every chance to lead this team to a Stanley Cup.

See below for Colaiacovo's full comments on the matter.

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Ex-Leaf shares highly controversial take on the Leafs in relation to Auston Matthews

Would you give up Easton Cowan and a first round pick for a top pairing RHD?

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