Auston Matthews will likely stay with the Toronto Maple Leafs if they trade for Zach Werenski.

What does this mean for Auston Matthews?

The acquisition of Werenski would answer questions about Matthews' future in Toronto.

Why is Zach Werenski important?

Werenski is the reigning Norris Trophy winner as the NHL’s best defenseman.

The Columbus Blue Jackets have not made the playoffs for six straight seasons, and Werenski wants out.

What would the Maple Leafs have to give up?

The Maple Leafs would have to give up a lot in a trade, including Matthew Knies, a 23-year-old power forward.

On top of Knies, the Maple Leafs would have to deal one or two of their top prospects, Ben Danford and/or Easton Cowan.

The team also has Colorado’s protected first-round pick in 2027 that they could trade in any deal.

Michael Futa, the former Los Angeles Kings executive, believes that if the Maple Leafs acquire Werenski, it would secure Matthews' future in Toronto.

Futa said that bringing in Werenski would make it clear that the team is committed to winning, and Matthews would be more likely to stay.

The Maple Leafs have the pieces necessary to get Werenski in a trade, but the question is, would they do it?

If it’s what keeps Matthews happy and keeps him in Toronto long-term, then it’s a no-brainer.

The Blue Jackets have not made the playoffs since 2017, and Werenski is looking for a change.

The Maple Leafs are trying to make a deep playoff run and win the Stanley Cup for the first time since 1967.

With Matthews only having two years left on his contract, the team is under pressure to perform.

GM John Chayka is said to be going all-in this offseason to try and secure a championship.

The acquisition of Werenski would be a major step towards achieving that goal.

The Maple Leafs would have to give up significant assets, but it could be worth it to keep Matthews in Toronto.

The trade talks are ongoing, and it remains to be seen if a deal can be reached.

But one thing is clear: the future of Auston Matthews is closely tied to the acquisition of Zach Werenski.