Insider: Matthews Could Leave Maple Leafs Sooner Than Expected

Despite saying it’s a priority to sell their captain on the team’s direction and that management still believes they can build a winner, the future of Auston Matthews in Toronto is anything but clear. In fact, there’s growing belief that a departure as early as this summer is a legitimate possibility.

According to NHL insider Chris Johnston, Matthews has not yet committed to returning to Toronto next season, despite being under contract. Matthews is reportedly waiting to see “meaningful improvements” to the roster before deciding if Toronto remains the right place for him moving forward.

That puts the Maple Leafs and the new management tandem of GM John Chayka and Special Advisor Mats Sundin in a precarious position. They not only have to hit the ground running, but they have to potentially sway the opinion of their most important player — someone who might already have one foot out the door.

The Maple Leafs Have to Sell Matthews On Their Vision

In much the same way that the Edmonton Oilers had to wait on Connor McDavid’s decision all summer last season, the Leafs are likely uncertain that their top player and superstar is committed to sticking with the team through the rough patches. Matthews and McDavid’s situations aren’t entirely identical — the Maple Leafs haven’t been close to winning in years, and Matthews has two seasons remaining on his deal — but he’s ready to use his leverage just the same.

Chayka and Sundin have to navigate and facilitate a quick turnaround while convincing their franchise cornerstone that the team is headed in the right direction. It’s going to be tough to do so after this past season. Toronto fell near the bottom of the standings, and the roster, as is, will not be a contender.

Johnston noted that Matthews isn’t willing to definitively say he’ll be back next season, making the coming weeks critical. If Monday’s uncomfortable press conference is any indication, things aren’t getting off on the right foot. And as the days and weeks roll along, if the organization fails to show tangible progress, the situation could quickly escalate.

Johnston notes that star players are increasingly dictating their own futures. Elite talent is taking more control over where—and how—they play. Matthews is just the latest player who might be ready to flex his muscle.

Matthews Wants To Know He’s Got a Chance To Win

Johnston wasn’t suggesting Matthews was issuing threats or putting ultimatums on the table. Instead, he’s more than prepared to use the leverage he has to hold the organization and its new management team accountable. Matthews, now firmly in his prime, appears ready to walk away if he doesn’t believe Toronto can contend.

In other words, he’s unwilling to wait around. and that’s where the possibility of a summer trade enters the conversation.

If Matthews signals he’s not sold on the direction of the team, Chayka and Sundin could be forced into an incredibly difficult decision: move a franchise player before the situation deteriorates further.

With a full n-move clause, Matthews would hold significant control over any potential destination. That limits Toronto’s leverage in trade negotiations and could dramatically reduce the return.

New GM Chayka has already described his early days on the job as “trying to catch a moving train,” but this situation may be even more daunting. Johnston argued it feels more like a “Mission: Impossible”.

The bottom line: if meaningful changes don’t come quickly—and if Matthews doesn’t like what he sees—the idea of him leaving Toronto this summer is no longer far-fetched.