Maple Leafs Can’t Afford to Give Matthews What He Might Really Want

It might not be as simple as it sounds, but the Toronto Maple Leafs need to know what Auston Matthews is going to do by the NHL Entry Draft. In fact, to a lesser extent, they need to know what William Nylander is thinking as well. If neither player, particularly the captain, is ready to commit to the organization by the time the NHL Entry Draft arrives, the Maple Leafs need to act. Sitting idle is not a solid game plan.

That means that the Maple Leafs can’t really give Matthews what he might ultimately want more than anything: time.

The Maple Leafs Need To Have All the Information

The 2026-27 roster won’t be retooled or rebuilt by draft day. That goes without saying. However, if new general manager John Chayka doesn’t know where Matthews stands by the time they make their selection at No. 1, he needs to force a decision from him. Toronto must plan for the possibility that Matthews is leaving, and there’s no better time to make a move (if one is required) than on draft day.

Should Matthews be unsure, Chayka has to consider trading his superstar. Sure, Matthews has a full no-move, and he’ll dictate where he goes, but any deal, to whatever team Matthews is willing to consider, will likely include a first-round pick. The Leafs need to jumpstart their rebuild on the same day they select No. 1 overall. Ideally, they stay within the top five.

If Matthews is keen to stay, Chayka needs to get his captain’s input on what he wants to see out of the team. If he’s excited to play with Gavin McKenna, or Matthews believes defense is the biggest priority, Chayka has to coax that information out of Matthews if he’s unwilling to volunteer it.

This 2026 NHL Draft Means Everything

This is a make-or-break draft for the Maple Leafs. They got lucky to be picking at No. 1, and that means making the most of the fortunate lottery ball bounce. That goes beyond the top pick if Matthews or Nylander feels that a change is in their future.

If Matthews wants out, the Maple Leafs need to know before the draft and have a list of teams he’ll consider. It will be up to Chayka to have had conversations with opposing GMs to know what’s on the table. The same goes for Nylander, who also has a full no-move and total control over where he ultimately lands.

If both players are on board with staying in Toronto, Chayka and Mats Sundin need to get a grasp of the level of trust they have in this new management team. Are they on board with whomever the amateur scouts deem the right choice? Are there concerns?

And, perhaps most importantly, Chayka and Sundin need to know if Matthews and Nylander are done with the current head coach. If Craig Berube is not the guy, both should speak up. What can’t happen is the Maple Leafs operating under the assumption that both Matthews and Nylander are content, drafting based on that assumption, then finding out neither is thrilled if Berube is retained.

Matthews Wants Time, But He Can Only Have So Much

Matthews might want time to watch things unfold before making his decision. Ultimately, he has the power and leverage to take it. On the other hand, the Maple Leafs will be making key decisions as this draft based on the clues they get from their top two players. Without those clues, Toronto will struggle to make the necessary calls on a day that sets up the next several years.

The Leafs need answers. Are you in, or are you out? And those answers need to come before the draft.