The Toronto Maple Leafs have already made their first major move under the new leadership group of John Chayka and Mats Sundin by moving on from head coach Craig Berube. Now, the focus shifts toward what could become a dramatic roster overhaul as the organization attempts to re-establish itself as a legitimate Stanley Cup contender.
Amid Toronto’s retooling, NHL insider Chris Johnston says Chayka already has a clear vision for the future, and it starts with Auston Matthews.
Inside Maple Leafs GM Chayka’s Plan for Auston Matthews
Matthews has now completed the second season of his four-year, $53 million contract and will become eligible for an extension next offseason.
Questions surrounding his long-term future in Toronto intensified after his end-of-season media availability, where Matthews admitted he “can’t predict the future” when asked whether he plans to remain with the Maple Leafs long term.
Still, according to Johnston, Matthews appears to be the one untouchable player on Toronto’s roster. “One of the things I’ve been told by other teams is what the Leafs message that’s come out from their front office is they’re willing to discuss any players on their roster except Auston Matthews,” Johnston reported.
Toronto’s new leadership group seems far more open-minded about roster changes than previous management regimes. Johnston also suggested trade conversations around the league could intensify as the offseason progresses.
“That’s probably the next wave as we get into June, is some of those trade discussions and looking at key personnel decisions… They’re willing to listen on a lot of players, maybe that in the past they haven’t been. I mean, the previous administration,” Johnston added.
However, Johnston noted that certain moves could still be complicated because of no-movement clauses attached to players such as Morgan Rielly and William Nylander.
“Some of those some of those names that could potentially be available, it’s not as available as it might seem on the surface, but it does seem as though at least in taking this job, John Chayka is considering basically anything but his captain,” he said.
The comments come after a disastrous year for Toronto. The Maple Leafs finished 32-36-14 with 78 points, ending the season at the bottom of the Atlantic Division and missing the playoffs for the first time in nearly a decade. Their 30-point drop from the previous year became one of the league’s most shocking collapses.
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Matthews also battled through multiple injuries during the season, including a torn MCL and a quad contusion suffered in March. He finished with 27 goals and 53 points in 60 games, the lowest offensive production of his NHL career.
The disappointing campaign ultimately led to the dismissal of Brad Treliving in March 2026. Toronto quickly replaced him with Chayka, while Sundin joined the organization as Senior Executive Advisor as part of the franchise’s reset.
Despite all the uncertainty surrounding the roster, one thing appears clear: the Maple Leafs still view Auston Matthews as the centerpiece of their future, and with good reason.
