Maple Leafs Ponder Matthews' Future Amid Playoff Drought

Experts debate whether Toronto should let Auston Matthews decide his own path or take control of the franchise's direction.

Apr. 1, 2026 at 6:56pm

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The Toronto Maple Leafs are facing a crucial decision regarding the future of star forward and captain Auston Matthews, who has two years remaining on his contract. Pundits Michael Traikos and Ken Campbell have differing views on whether the team should let Matthews dictate the next steps or if the franchise should chart its own course, even if it means parting ways with the 28-year-old superstar.

Why it matters

The Maple Leafs have struggled to make the playoffs in recent seasons, currently sitting 11 points out of a postseason spot with just seven games left. How they handle the Matthews situation could significantly impact the team's direction and timeline for a potential rebuild or retool.

The details

Traikos believes the Maple Leafs must first ask Matthews if he is committed to a potential two-to-three-year rebuild, as that would drastically alter the team's plans. If Matthews says he is on board for the long haul, the Leafs can look to re-sign him. However, Campbell argues the franchise should focus on building the organization as a whole, rather than deferring to Matthews' wishes. He believes the Leafs have historically struggled to stay out of their own way and need to empower a hockey executive to chart the team's path forward.

  • The Maple Leafs have 7 games remaining in the 2026-27 NHL season.
  • Auston Matthews' current contract has 2 years remaining, expiring after the 2027-28 season.

The players

Auston Matthews

The 28-year-old star forward and captain of the Toronto Maple Leafs, who has 2 years remaining on his current contract.

Michael Traikos

A hockey pundit who believes the Maple Leafs must first determine if Matthews is committed to a potential rebuild before making any decisions.

Ken Campbell

A hockey analyst who argues the Maple Leafs should focus on building the organization as a whole, rather than deferring to Matthews' wishes.

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What they’re saying

“What comes next? I think you've got to ask Auston Matthews what comes next, and I think that's really the first domino that has to fall.”

— Michael Traikos, Hockey Pundit

“I just don't think Auston Matthews has to be any part of this equation in terms of what they're doing. He's not everything, absolutely not, Michael. The tail doesn't wag the dog here.”

— Ken Campbell, Hockey Analyst

What’s next

The Maple Leafs will need to make a decision on Auston Matthews' future with the team before the start of the 2027-28 NHL season, as he has two years remaining on his current contract.

The takeaway

The Maple Leafs' handling of the Auston Matthews situation will be a critical factor in determining the team's direction and timeline for a potential rebuild or retool. The franchise must decide whether to defer to Matthews' wishes or chart its own course, even if it means parting ways with the star player.