Auston Matthews has real doubts about his Toronto future and Leafs fans need to brace for what's coming next
Photo credit: Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images
Even though Toronto has the first overall pick, Auston Matthews is still up in the air about whether he wants to stick around - leaving fans holding their breath.
After the stunning upset that saw the Toronto Maple Leafs sneak away with the first overall pick in the 2026 NHL Draft, it shone a new light on the future of Auston Matthews considering that a lot of it hinges on what Toronto does for the captain.
Adding someone like Gavin McKenna would certainly help things and while it isn't the be all, end all for the team, it's certainly a great building block though they still have to make sure they improve their blueline while also giving Matthews every reason to think they can be competitive.
New reporting confirms Matthews is genuinely thinking about whether his future is in Toronto and the lottery win has not changed that
Even then it may not even be enough.
Matthews is really having a difficult time figuring out where he stands with the Maple Leafs and although he has given every indication that he wants to win here, there are still some serious reservations about their direction.
It's something Chris Johnston noted in his podcast and Maple Leafs fans are going to be holding their breath for a while:
I can tell you with strong sourcing on this, is that [Auston Matthews] needs time to think about things and he's just not totally sure what's best for his future and whether that lies with the Leafs.
He certainly has more than enough time to not only think about things but also be able to give John Chayka and company the ability to make the moves necessary to improve the team. Draft day isn't just about bringing in a new prospect, and there could be several surprise deals made that transform the lineup before July 1.
Chayka flying to Arizona this week just became the most important meeting in franchise history because the captain is genuinely uncertain
Chayka better bring more than just a Frosty for Matthews when he goes to visit him because this meeting could define the future of the Maple Leafs now and 10-15 years down the line.
If Matthews decides that he doesn't want to be with the team this season, or even give Chayka one last year with the promise of a move next summer then the decision for Toronto is simple - draft Gavin McKenna and build around him as your new star.
There's no better replacement for Matthews than McKenna and with the fanbase growing tired of players who are suddenly noncommittal you start to wonder what the issue is. Matthew Knies didn't seem bothered by signing a six-year extension, and John Tavares took an over 50% pay cut to stay here.
As much as Matthews may not think the team is able to compete, the team may also start thinking that he isn't pulling his weight either. At what point do Knies and Tavares look at Matthews and say 'Hey, we're sticking it out, and now as captain you wanna jump ship?'
That sounds like Mutiny on the HMS Maple Leafs if there ever was one, and no doubt is going to drive Matthews away from the team more. If his teammates are starting to resent him, then why would he want to stick around.
Chayka is going to need to show Matthews that he means business, and that starts with giving him every reason to believe they wanna win. Throw blank cheques at free agents, make trades that actually bring in winners and proper role players and for God's sake figure out Craig Berube's role.
You're not just trying to convince Matthews not to leave, but to believe in your vision that you've touted so heavily.
It's time to put your money where your mouth is Toronto and show Auston Matthews that he deserves your time.
Also read on Hockey Patrol :
Both Matthews and McKenna's camps just spoke and the reactions are exactly what Leafs fans were hoping to hear
Both Matthews and McKenna's camps just spoke and the reactions are exactly what Leafs fans were hoping to hear
Previously on Hockey Patrol