Report: Auston Matthews Decided to Delay Maple Leafs Contract Signing

The Toronto Maple Leafs have decided to part ways with General Manager Kyle Dubas after another disappointing end to the Leafs' playoff run. This one stings even more, especially with Leafs superstar Auston Matthews having just one year remaining on his current contract before becoming a pending unrestricted free agent, if he chooses to do so.

Matthews Not Re-signing?

The Leafs have been trying everything to persuade Matthews to re-sign, but according to Elliotte Friedman:



What makes this situation concerning for the Leafs is that Matthews will have a full no-movement clause kicking in on July 1st. If he decides not to re-sign, he could follow in the footsteps of John Tavares or Johnny Gaudreau, signing elsewhere as a free agent without the team receiving any return for the player.

Losing Matthews would be a significant blow to the Leafs, especially if he chooses to sign with the Arizona Coyotes next season or any other team that he believes offers a better chance at winning a championship.

Will The Leafs Trade Matthews?

This could lead the Leafs to consider making a blockbuster trade before July 1st if they believe there's a possibility of losing Matthews. Regardless of the outcome, it's going to be an entertaining summer in Toronto.

Credit:Habs Fanatics