The Toronto Maple Leafs have spent much of the offseason under a microscope, and one question continues to dominate the conversation: What does the future hold for Auston Matthews?
After a disastrous 2025-26 season that saw Toronto miss the playoffs and tumble down the standings, speculation surrounding Matthews’ long-term commitment to the organization has only intensified. Now, one of hockey’s most respected insiders has offered his latest read on the situation.
Latest on Auston Matthews’ Future With the Toronto Maple Leafs
It was a tough year for Matthews and the Maple Leafs. Toronto finished at the bottom of the Atlantic Division and missed the playoffs, while Matthews battled a Grade 3 MCL tear and a quad injury that sidelined him for the final 16 games. He ended the season with just 27 goals and 53 points in 60 games, both career lows.
Questions about his future increased after the season ended. When asked about his long-term plans in Toronto, Matthews said, “I can’t predict the future.” That response sparked speculation about whether he could eventually leave if the Leafs failed to improve.
Still, NHL insider Pierre LeBrun believes the signs point toward Matthews staying in Toronto. “I’m still unsure of where this all goes with Toronto and Auston Matthews. I think all signs are pointing towards Matthews wanting to stay put, but I don’t think that’s been communicated yet a hundred percent from Matthews and his agent, Judd Moldaver, to John Chayka,” LeBrun reported.
“I think that the next 3-4 weeks loom large in terms of what Toronto does to get Matthews to that decision, which I think will be his decision. I think he’s staying,” he added.
There are plenty of reasons for Leafs fans to feel encouraged. The team’s outlook changed dramatically after winning the 2026 NHL Draft Lottery, giving Toronto the No. 1 overall pick and the chance to draft Gavin McKenna.
The organization has also made major changes behind the scenes. John Chayka was hired as general manager, while Leafs legend Mats Sundin joined the front office as a senior advisor, signaling a new direction for the franchise.
Reports have also indicated that Matthews recently had a positive Zoom meeting with Chayka and the new leadership group, another sign that the relationship between the captain and the organization remains strong.
For now, Matthews controls his own future. He has two years remaining on his contract, carries a $13.25 million cap hit, and owns a full no-move clause. Unless he decides he wants a change, he’s not going anywhere.
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At the moment, it appears Toronto’s revamped leadership group has done a good enough job convincing its franchise star that the organization is heading in the right direction.
