Connor McDavid could reportedly join the Maple Leafs if Toronto meets one key condition
Photo credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
A fresh theory out of the Toronto media scene suggests Connor McDavid could land with the Maple Leafs someday, but only if the roster is legitimately built to win.
The idea surfaced on The Leafs Convo podcast, where host Michael Augello shared something he'd heard from a fellow reporter in the press box.
According to that source, McDavid wants to play in Toronto, and the only real question is what kind of team the Leafs turn out to be.
Augello relayed the reasoning behind the theory, explaining that if Toronto becomes a genuine contender and pays McDavid at full market value, the chances of him ending up there are real.
If the roster doesn't come together, though, there's no chance at all.
''I was told by another reporter, that's just his theory & I won't share his name, but you know talking in the press box about McDavid and he said ''McDavid wants to play in Toronto, it's just the question what type of team the Leafs are'' [...] If the Leafs are good, their chances of getting McDavid are good because I think he would want to play in Toronto if they pay him. If they are not good, there's not a chance.''
- Michael Augello
- Michael Augello
Why Auston Matthews factors into the equation
Part of what makes this theory interesting ties back to Auston Matthews, who has two years remaining on his current deal, the same timeline as McDavid.
If Matthews stays put long term, some believe it strengthens Toronto's odds of eventually pairing him with McDavid.
McDavid isn't set to hit unrestricted free agency until 2028, so any real movement is still years away.
For now, he's focused on the season ahead with the Oilers, who open preseason play against the Winnipeg Jets shortly.
Toronto still has plenty to prove first
The Leafs are coming off a rough stretch and will need to show real progress before this kind of speculation carries any weight.
Still, landing Gavin McKenna in the draft lottery has fans dreaming big about what the roster could look like down the road.
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