Auston Matthews' comments about Toronto bode well for the Leafs 2028 free agency pitch

Auston Matthews sat down for an interview with Ryan Leslie, where he made some eye-opening comments about Toronto just a year and a half out from a major decision.

In 2028, Auston Matthews will become a free agent. Of course, the Maple Leafs have an opportunity to sign Matthews to an extension next Summer, although there is no guarantee they will be able to do so.

There is a lot that needs to be considered first. One: does Matthews even want to stay in Toronto, and two: is the forward still the offensive juggernaut he used to be?

After a steep decline in production over the last two seasons, some aren't sure Matthews is going to be worth a hefty contract. With guys like Cale Makar making $20 million per season, Matthews could be set for a king's ransom, and the Leafs may not want to pay it. However, if the Leafs are willing to pay the price, they must then rely on Matthews to want to stay in Toronto.

Based on Matthews' comments during an interview with Ryan Leslie, we may already know the answer to that question.

Auston Matthews praises Toronto

The captain revealed that one of his favorite parts about Toronto is the relationships he has formed here. Beyond just the organization, he has met friends in the city, which has elevated his feelings towards the Six.

This is home, I've formed so many great relationships here, not just throughout the organization, but outside of that as well.

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Matthews then went on to say that Toronto is special to everyone who comes here. He says it is a different experience than anywhere else and if you have the right attitude, you can have a lot of fun.

You talk to other guys that come from different places, different teams, and they come here, and it's obviously different. It's different in a lot of great ways, and I think if you embrace that, it can be a lot of fun. So that's what I try to do.

These comments are not a guarantee that he will return to Toronto, although they do prove that Matthews at least has a positive view of the city, which is something for fans to hang their hats on.

Ultimately, the Leafs will just have to take a wait-and-see approach with Matthews. There are still a lot of factors at play before Matthews makes his 2028 decision official. Although for now, it's clear the captain still likes it here.

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