This is what Matthews would actually cost

this would make Toronto a much more balanced team but idk who is ready to hear that

Arizona should definitely wait another 4 years if this is the cost.

That said, I think there could be a 3 way trade involving Eichel to Toronto (cheaper cap hit than Matthew's with more term), Matthews to Arizona (get their local star) and a bunch of young pieces to Buffalo (rebuild - the fans would probably be furious but honestly buffalo is screwed up).

The picks and prospects would have more value in a trade to rebuilding team like buffalo than a team that's competing like Toronto, which is why in the hypothetical scenario where Arizona trades for Matthews I think it make sense.

Nah, Toronto is balanced. And Matthews is a leaf for life. He wants the spotlight and eventually it will be his team not JT's.

this is actually a fascinating idea

I like that 3 way deal. Interesting