Auston Matthews followed Macklin Celebrini after the lottery win and the timing is impossible to ignore
Photo credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images (left), David Gonzales-Imagn Images (right)
Auston Matthews creates a stir as the Maple Leafs captain takes note of Macklin Celebrini shortly after Toronto's draft lottery win.
On X (formerly Twitter), the account 'NHL Follow Tracker', which tracks the follows and unfollows of NHLers has revealed that Auston Matthews recently followed San Jose Sharks star Macklin Celebrini, with the youngster following Matthews right back:
The account, which boasts over 20K followers, has become a source of gossip over player follows, creating speculation when an interesting follow or unfollow comes through.
The Athletic has a closer explanation of the account, which notes that a player's social media footprint can cause speculation and generate rumors based on following (or unfollowing).
Friedman said the lottery win does not change anything for Matthews and the captain still wants to see execution before committing
The timing of Matthews' Instagram latest follow has people reading into it deeper than most people will read beyond this article's headline.
Matthews following Celebrini just as the Toronto Maple Leafs won the first overall pick in the 2026 NHL Draft, is leading to some to read into this move as a feeling out process after a recent report from Chris Johnston of 'The Athletic' revealed that the future of Matthews isn't certain as the 28-year-old mulls over his future.
Overshadowed by the prospective drafting of Gavin McKenna is the uncertainty of Auston Matthews remaining a Toronto Maple Leaf, which is why him following the Sharks captain, who just so happen to have the second overall pick, is generating real reaction.
Chayka has the entire offseason to prove to Matthews that execution matches vision and the McKenna pick is only step one
What has been made clear from media reports is that Auston Matthews wants to see what the Leafs plans is to rebound from their disappointments of this past season, and it may take more than just nailing their pick at first overall.
Drafting Gavin McKenna, or anyone in general with the top pick, is only a part of the process that comes with the Leafs retool.
At least for next season, the first overall pick is probably not the most important addition for the Leafs to make, but it's adding a top blueliner.
While speculation has already begun about the Leafs taking a defenseman to solve that issue long-term, there is a clear pressing need for instant top-four help at both ends, drafting McKenna allowing Toronto to focus on boosting the defensive end in free agency.
The real talking point for who Auston Matthews follows on Instagram is that he's on social media and not in the playoff hunt, and at this time next year, the Leafs need to follow through on a free agent splurge.
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