Despite the Toronto Maple Leafs winning the 2026 NHL Draft Lottery and securing the No. 1 overall pick, insider Chris Johnston reports that the uncertainty surrounding captain Auston Matthews remains the organization’s primary concern.
Even with elite prospect Gavin McKenna all but a lock to join the roster, Matthews’ long-term future in Toronto dominates the offseason talk, ensuring the front office’s most pressing situation remains unchanged.
Chris Johnston Says Auston Matthews Still Waiting for Leafs to Prove They Can Compete
Matthews remains under contract through the 2027-28 season with a league-high $13.25 million cap hit, but insiders continue to describe his current approach as a wait-and-see process rather than a firm long-term commitment to Toronto. Matthews owns a full no-movement clause, giving him total control over any future trade discussions if the relationship between player and organization changes.
During a recent episode of The Chris Johnston Show, Johnston reported that the lottery win does not automatically solve Toronto’s immediate concerns, or guarantee Matthews feels more secure about the team’s direction.
“The biggest unknown for the Leafs is that they can’t say with certainty that he’ll be back,” Johnston said. He added that Matthews is still “working through a process where he’s not sure what’s best for him just yet.”
Johnston acknowledged that adding a player like Gavin McKenna is important for the franchise, but he also pointed out that elite draft picks usually need time before becoming true game-changing stars at the NHL level. He brought up Anaheim Ducks forward Leo Carlsson as an example of a top selection who developed gradually before becoming a major playoff contributor.
According to Johnston, Matthews’ focus remains on whether Toronto can realistically contend for a Stanley Cup during the final two years of his current deal. “The Leafs have to make their roster better for next season,” Johnston explained. “He’s [Matthews] going to want to see what they do before making any declarations either way. So that hasn’t changed. The mood around the team has changed.”
READ MORE: ‘It Was a Surprise’: Gavin McKenna’s Agent Reveals First Reaction to Maple Leafs’ Draft Lottery Win
This pressure increased after Toronto finished the 2025-26 season with a 32-36-14 record and missed the postseason despite entering the year with championship expectations. Matthews also dealt with significant injury issues late in the season after suffering a torn MCL and a quad contusion.
The lottery win at least gives the organization a new cornerstone prospect and preserves a valuable first-round pick that otherwise would have gone to the Boston Bruins. Now it’s up to John Chayka to work the phones and get something going this summer in free agency and the trade market to make sure his captain stays put.
