Auston Matthews faces questions on future as a Maple Leaf

AtlanticBruinsCanadiensLightningMaple LeafsPanthersRed WingsSabresSenatorsMetropolitanBlue JacketsCapitalsDevilsFlyersHurricanesIslandersPenguinsRangersCentralAvalancheBlackhawksBluesJetsMammothPredatorsStarsWildPacificCanucksDucksFlamesGolden KnightsKingsKrakenOilersSharksScores & ScheduleStandingsPodcastsFantasyNHL OddsNHL PicksPlayoff projectionsNHL Draft rankingRed Light NewsletterNHL Regular Questions about Auston Matthews' future in Toronto have increased as the Leafs missed the playoffs for the first time in his career. James Guillory / Imagn Images Share article1TORONTO — Auston Matthews was non-committal about his future with the Maple Leafs while speaking during the team’s year-end media availability. “I can’t predict the future,” Matthews said when asked about his place with the team moving forward. “Obviously there are steps that have to take place. (MLSE) have to hire new leadership and management. So I don’t really know.” Matthews has two years left on his four-year contract with a $13.25 million cap hit. The Leafs missed the playoffs this year for the first time in Matthews’ 10 seasons in Toronto, leading to speculation about whether he will want to remain a Leaf. “I love being the captain of this team,” Matthews said. When further pressed about whether Toronto is the place he wants to play, Matthews did not give a definitive answer. “All that stuff, there’s always noise and chatter,” he said. “Personally, I don’t really pay attention to that. I just focus on myself and this team and try to be part of the solution.” The late-season firing of GM Brad Treliving leaves a void atop Leafs management as questions about the team’s direction linger. Matthews will likely meet with a new Leafs general manager or president when they are hired. “I don’t know if there’s anything specific,” Matthews said when asked if there was something he needs to hear to maintain confidence in his future as a Leaf. “I think those conversations are going to be personal and private. We’re not even at that point yet, obviously, we’re still in the searching phase, I guess you can say for them. When the time comes, those conversations will just happen organically.” Matthews addressed the growing concern that the Leafs have just two playoff series wins since he was drafted in 2016, stating that he believes he can win in Toronto. “I believe in the guys in this room and the people that we have here,” he said. “Like I said, we’re going to hire new leadership and management and there’s going to be changes. And that’s just the way things go. But I think we’re all hopeful that this was a one-off.” Matthews has not played since tearing his MCL on March 12 against the Anaheim Ducks. Matthews took a knee-on-knee hit from Ducks defenceman Radko Gudas. Gudas was suspended five games and Matthews was expected to recover in 12 weeks after having surgery on March 19. “I think you probably know how I feel about (the hit),” Matthews said. In the immediate aftermath of Gudas’ hit on Matthews, none of the other four Leafs skaters on the ice retaliated. Asked about the lack of reaction, Matthews kept his response brief. “It was an unfortunate play,” Matthews said. “I thought (the Leafs) responded in the third period. But it’s an unfortunate play.” Before Matthews’ MCL tear, he was struggling through a down offensive year — at least compared to his otherworldly standards. Matthews’ 1.3 goals per 60 minutes and 2.55 points per 60 minutes (all situations) were both the lowest of his 10-season career. Matthews had, however, become more impactful in other areas of the ice: his face-off win percentage (59.7) was the highest of his career. And his 3.89 shots blocked per 60 minutes was tied with last season for the most in his time in the NHL. Matthews said he has no concerns about returning to 2026 training camp with a clean bill of health. “I’ll be ready by next season,” Matthews said. “I have a pretty normal summer for the most part.” Spot the pattern. Connect the terms Find the hidden link between sports terms Joshua Kloke is a staff writer who has covered the Maple Leafs and Canadian soccer for The Athletic since 2016. Previously, he was a freelance writer for various publications, including Sports Illustrated. Follow Joshua on Twitter @joshuakloke