Auston Matthews camp is setting things straight on the exit reports
Photo credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images
Reports suggesting Auston Matthews could leave Toronto are beginning to be backtracked, but one core fact remains in that the Leafs need to improve this offseason.
Early reporting at the end of the Leafs season said that captain Auston Matthews wasn't commiting to the team long-term as the captain considered his future.
Chris Johnston sparked the initial concern after he said that Matthews was weighing his future, which could see Matthews exit Toronto if he feels the team isn't committed to winning, something confirmed by other insiders that set off panic.
However, more recent reporting has provided a more optimistic look at the situation, with Darren Dreger providing positivity that Matthews will begin next season in Toronto.
There does seem to be now a growing sense that he's more than willing of course to get there in training camp, it's just his hope, and maybe expectation is a better word, that the team is better. - Darren Dreger
David Pagnotta reported that some of the language surrounding Matthews got out of hand and misinterpreted, with Matthews wanting the Leafs to have a plan rather than force his way out.
What is important to note is that Matthews isn't asking out, he's committing to Toronto by wanting them to get better, but it's the front office's job to see Matthews' goals go answered.
Auston Matthews isn't planning to leave, but Toronto still has to build as if he will
Even if Auston Matthews isn't leaving the Toronto Maple Leafs, they will need to treat this offseason like it could happen if they don't.
While the idea of Matthews leaving may have been less likely as some had thought, what is accurate is that Matthews wants to see Toronto do more this offseason and be aggressive in adding.
Using the first overall pick, whether on a player or to trade for a key asset, is a start, but Toronto will need to make heavy moves that alter the team immediately to avoid a repeat of this season.
If Toronto doesn't add this offseason and struggles, it could force Matthews out the door, and new GM John Chayka now has to get things certain so Matthews remains sold on the Leafs project.
The first overall pick is a start for the Leafs offseason, but far from their endgame
The Toronto Maple Leafs could use the first overall pick on an impact player, especially a top-six forward such as Gavin McKenna or Ivar Stenberg, but it's only the first addition to the Leafs new foundation.
Along with how they use their top pick, other adds are needed, and if indeed one of McKenna or Stenberg is the top pick, another forward may still be of a need up top.
Defense is also a need at both ends. The Leafs need a long-term Morgan Rielly replacement on their left side, as well as a reliable top-four D on the right.
The Toronto Maple Leafs need to go all in this offseason and build a contending roster, or those rumors of Matthews leaving could become a lot more real than they are now.
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