Maple Leafs’ Auston Matthews keeps it cryptic on future after disaster season

The Toronto Maple Leafs just finished a disaster season, missing the Stanley Cup Playoffs for the first time since the 2015-16 season. After Auston Matthews sustained a season-ending injury, things got murkier. Now, Matthews got cryptic when talking about his future, according to NHL Insider Chris Johnson.

“Auston Matthews didn’t reveal much about his future in Toronto. Says it’s an honor to be the captain and wear the jersey, but added that he doesn’t know what the future holds and doesn’t know what the club’s new leadership and manager will look like,” Johnson wrote on X.

There were already questions about Matthews’ future in Toronto, and his injury could push him out. Additionally, the Leafs’ missing the playoffs could signal an official end to the ‘Core Four’ that started last season when they traded Mitchell Marner to the Vegas Golden Knights.

The Maple Leafs finished last in the Atlantic Division with a record of 32-36-14. Matthews finished with 27 goals and 26 assists over 60 games. It was the end of his 10th season in Toronto. However, things could change in the future if Matthews leaves Toronto. But Matthews currently has two years remaining on his four-year contract extension he signed before the 2024-25 season.

For now, Matthews remains a Maple Leaf and will attempt to help them regain their footing and make the playoffs next season. But he is 34 years old, and the Maple Leafs will have a new general manager soon. That could impact whatever future the star center has in Toronto, and whether he will be able to help this team break one of the longest Stanley Cup droughts in the NHL.

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