Sports betting: If Matthews leaves the Leafs, the Hawks are the favourites to get him

Sports betting is becoming increasingly popular at the professional level, especially when it comes to betting on the four professional sports leagues (NHL, NBA, MLB and NFL).

The wagering possibilities on each game are enormous and can touch on many aspects.

An interesting bet recently surfaced concerning Auston Matthews’ possible destination, should he ever leave the Toronto Maple Leafs.

The Toronto Sun published an article showing the odds on the possible next team, and the most likely would be the Chicago Blackhawks.

At first glance, this seems surprising, as the Hawks are in the midst of a major rebuild and are a long way from being in the playoff picture.

However, with the addition of Connor Bedard in the upcoming draft, as well as several other prospects within the organization, it could happen sooner rather than later.

Just imagine for a moment a duo made up of Connor Bedard and Auston Matthews. It would undoubtedly wreak havoc.

In addition to the first overall pick, the Blackhawks also own the Tampa Bay Lightning’s first-round pick (19th). This pick could be used in a package including other picks or players to get a top-10 or even top-5 pick. Or, it could still be used in the Matthews trade.

Logically, if he joins the Blackhawks, it would be before July 1, because from that day on, the Leafs’ star player will have a no-movement clause.

If the Leafs want to get something in return, they’ll have to be active, because as of July 1, 2023, Matthews has the option of refusing any move and could attempt the free-agent market in 2024.

As mentioned earlier, Chicago has several assets in the organization, but they’ll obviously have to give away a lot to acquire the American star.

His acquisition would greatly accelerate Chicago’s rebuilding. I believe one or two first-round picks could be involved, as could top defensive prospect Kevin Korchinski. Forward Frank Nazar could also be part of the trade.

Defining a precise price for Matthews is rather difficult, but what do you think the Hawks should give for the American?

In a row

– The atmosphere is definitely at its peak tonight.

– Two Laval players have been cut.

– Luc Gélinas had an interesting opinion.

To say that, at best, the Bell Centre crowd is equal to that of Vegas is a compliment, and I base this on more than a dozen games seen at T-Mobile Arena.

If I had been hacked, I would have said that at best Montreal is equal to Toronto! https://t.co/NpnfnAJue1

– Luc Gelinas (@LucGelinasRDS) June 4, 2023