You could argue Shesterkin has more value. He carried a very average team to the ECF.

Trade doesn’t even work cap wise

Half the NHL is waiting for Mathews to bolt in UFA

Bolt? Play on words bc of the Tampa series?

He'll likely retire a Leaf. Management will pay him what he wants, and trade assets around him to keep him there. Bad trade for Toronto anyways

"I want to win"

Trades our franchise player

Only 9 forwards...that's a bold strategy Cotton.

I think Rangers take their chance to get Matthews in free agency. As slim the chance is, better than trading Shesterkin.

Honestly I can't see him staying if the leafs can't win a playoff round when his contract expires

Yes he will definitely stay with the leafs as they continue to get the boot in the first round instead of playing for his childhood team who would also throw a lot of money at him and I'm 90% sure AZ has a lower tax than Toronto... but LeAfS

If we’re being honest this is more of a McDavid than Matthews offers given the amount of team control. Igor with 4 left has more value alone than AM with 2. Saying nothing of the cap hits

Yes because Arizona's a hot spot for big name free agents. Leafs are very close, they took Tampa to 7 games. A few more tweeks and this team is a Stanley Cup contender, perhaps moving big assets for better dmen. Tavares will be gone via free agency before Matthews leaves.