The Toronto Maple Leafs are navigating a pivotal offseason following a disappointing 2025-26 campaign that saw the team miss the playoffs for the first time in a decade.
On top of that, the franchise underwent significant front office changes and will need to hire a new head coach following the firing of Craig Berube.
The Leafs have named John Chayka as their new general manager, and broader changes are coming, aimed at reshaping the roster and long-term direction of Toronto's franchise.
Amid that uncertainty, the future of captain Auston Matthews has remained a central storyline. Matthews played 60 games and recorded 27 goals and 53 points this season as Toronto finished 32-36-14 and second-to-last in the Eastern Conference.
Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images
A new report from The Athletic's Pierre LeBrun suggests the situation is beginning to take shape, even if no final decision has been formally communicated, with Matthews likely to remain in Toronto.
“All signs point to Auston Matthews staying put and playing for the Toronto Maple Leafs next season,” LeBrun reported.
However, LeBrun noted that Matthews’ agent, Judd Moldaver, has not "formally" confirmed that stance to the organization.
“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,” LeBrun said.
LeBrun pointed to the improved communication between Matthews’ representation and the Leafs' new front office as a key factor in the outlook.
“The conversations between Moldaver and new Leafs GM John Chayka have been cordial, and there’s some level of comfort there about how things are shaping up,” LeBrun said. “So, unless something dramatic happens in the coming weeks, the Leafs captain will be back next season in Toronto,” he said.
Matthews has two years remaining on his four-year, $53 million contract and holds a full no-movement clause, giving him significant control over his future.
