Maple Leafs Rumors: 4 Players Listed As "Untouchable"

We continue our look at the soon-to-be-changing Toronto Maple Leafs roster. Earlier we checked out the four most likely to be traded players, now we'll move on to the four who are listed as "untouchable", per Matt Larkin of Daily Faceoff.

For the first time since the onset (and demise of) the Kyle Dubas Era, no longer do "the four untouchables" equal "the Core Four" in Toronto. Those days are gone in Leaf Land.

We do begin the list, however, with two of the formerly-known "Core Four" — let's call them the "Glue Two".

Auston Matthews

Obviously, the greatest scorer in the long history of the Leafs franchise isn't going anywhere. With two 60+ goal seasons, three Rocket Richard Trophies and a Hart Trophy already to his credit, the face of the franchise is just starting his four-year extension next season at a league-high $13.25 million AAV.

William Nylander

The other member of the new "Glue Two", Nylander is just fresh off his career-best season, and his new massive 8-year contract ($11.5 million cap hit) kicks in next year as well. He is one of the very few core players on the roster who never seems to melt under the bright lights of the playoffs, displaying a calm, cool demeanor, and has some big goals in the past few postseason series. He has a full no-move clause.

Matthew Knies

The 21-year-old grew exponentially during this year's playoffs, playing a physical yet talented game, and proving that he is indeed a solid building block for the future. He handed out 23 hits in the 7-game series with the Boston Bruins, and 169 in the regular season, using his 6'2", 210-pound frame to full advantage. His Game 5 performance and overtime winner kept the Leafs' season alive, and etched his name as that of a definite keeper.

Easton Cowan

The Leafs' top prospect, the team rebuffed any mention of his name by suitors at the trade deadline, and rightfully so. He finished the season being named the OHL's Player of the Year, with 34 goals and 96 points in 54 games, along with a robust +38 rating. He didn't back off in the playoffs either, with 30 points in 17 games. The Leafs' 2023 first-round pick definitely isn't going anywhere, and is a key part of the future.