Clayton Keller and Auston Matthews have been good friends for a while, both entering the NHL in the first round of the 2016 Draft. Keller had even mentioned the two tend to keep in touch in an interview following the most recent NHL All-Star Game.
Yet, many believed their relationship was not just about friendship. Several fans spotted the two watching a UFC event together, sparking rumors that Matthews may be trying to recruit him for Toronto. The speculation was that Keller would be the main name in a trade to replace Mitch Marner, sending him to Utah.
However, nothing about Mitch Marner's future with the Maple Leafs changed on July 1st, or since then. It was only a few days ago these rumors reignited after Auston Matthews shared an Instagram Story showing his and Keller's dog on a playdate.