As the Toronto Maple Leafs undergo a massive roster overhaul following a disappointing NHL season, uncertainty continues to surround Auston Matthews' career and future with the team. However, NHL insider Pierre LeBrun has predicted that Matthews is likely to stay with the Maple Leafs and play the next season amid trade speculation.
Matthews to Stay Amid Organizational Changes
After the club underwent a major transformation in its front office and coaching staff, including the hiring of John Chayka as general manager, rumors emerged that Auston Matthews might want to leave the Maple Leafs. However, those rumors have been put to rest. Earlier reports also suggested that the Maple Leafs are not interested in trading the captain anytime soon during the NHL offseason.
Positive Optimism Surrounds Matthews' Future
Speculation about Auston Matthews' future continues to be a major talking point after a disappointing season for the Toronto Maple Leafs. However, NHL insider Pierre LeBrun believes that all signs currently point toward Matthews remaining in Toronto for the 2026-27 campaign.
According to LeBrun, "All signs point to Auston Matthews staying put and playing for the Toronto Maple Leafs next season. Matthews' agent, Judd Moldaver, hasn't formally indicated that to the Leafs, but that's where it's very much trending from what I understand. When the season ended, there was no GM in Toronto. There were so many unknowns, and it was natural for Matthews to have questions."
LeBrun noted that recent developments suggest the organization has created optimism that Matthews will stay with the franchise despite months of trade speculation. The player and the club have arrived at this decision after the team's new leadership group helped strengthen the belief. Meanwhile, the insider stated that the situation currently appears to be trending toward Matthews staying rather than seeking a move elsewhere.
Matthews' Injury and Performance
Earlier, Auston Matthews had to take a long hiatus from the Toronto Maple Leafs as he was sidelined for the remainder of the season due to a Grade 3 MCL tear and quad contusion, sustained in a knee-on-knee collision with Anaheim Ducks defenseman Radko Gudas.
Matthews missed a large part of the season. In 60 games this season, he scored 27 goals and recorded 26 assists. Overall, he has played 689 games, scoring 428 goals and adding 352 assists. Though nothing has been confirmed about his stay with the team, moving an elite player of Matthews' caliber would be an enormous gamble and would be among the hardest tasks.
