Auston Matthews' recent injury, the relocation of Mats Sundin to Toronto, and new GM John Chayka scouting the top pick have kept the trio from a formal one-on-one.
New Toronto Maple Leafs general manager John Chayka is setting up plans to rebuild the team this offseason, but is still waiting on the chance to connect with captain Auston Matthews.
In a new article for ESPN, insider Emily Kaplan detailed what was anticipated to be a meeting between Matthews and Chayka, along with Mats Sundin, a conversation that has not yet happened.
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The only reason it hasn't happened yet is logistics: Matthews is recovering from knee surgery after the hit by Radko Gudas and can't travel far from Arizona as he rehabs. Sundin is relocating his family from Europe. They're knee-deep in scouting meetings in Toronto. But the lines of communication have been open. - Emily Kaplan/ESPN
Kaplan also added that Matthews is being spoken to on discussions revolving around the Leafs plans this offseason, but decisions will be contained inside the front office, forgoing Matthews giving input.
As pointed out by Kaplan, Matthews spoke with Craig Berube and Brendan Shanahan after the firing of Kyle Dubas in 2023, appearing to set a precedent for Matthews to be open with management about his wants.
Auston Matthews hasn't yet spoken to John Chayka and his knee surgery recovery is why
Questions surrounding the future of Auston Matthews have made John Chayka's leadership already face its first question mark with uncertainty over the Leafs captain's commitment level.
Although the belief is that Matthews is aiming to remain in Toronto, something that Emily Kaplan's article echoes, Chayka will need to hear it from Matthews, and sell him on his plans for next season.
Even if Matthews wishes to remain for next season, Chayka's main focus now is convincing Matthews that there is a plan to contend for a cup long-term beyond 2026-27, and that Matthews feels comfortable under that plan.
Ultimately, results rather than words will have the most impact on the future of Matthews in Toronto, but begins with how Chayka approaches this offseason.
The future of Auston Matthews could hinge on John Chayka getting this offseason right
Auston Matthews remaining past next season will very likely depend on how well John Chayka's offseason moves improve the team for the better.
At the very least, Toronto will have to return to the playoffs to please Matthews, and this time perhaps go further than they have before to truly get Matthews on board.
Matthews will likely be taking into account former teammate Mitch Marner lead the Vegas Golden Knights to the finals, potentially pondering what success looks like for himself, and where his best opportunity to play for the cup will come from.
John Chayka will need a major success this offseason, and will need to make not just big splashes, but ones that make a major impact to Toronto's roster.
Whatever John Chayka says to Auston Matthews when the two speak, what matters more won't come from what Chayka says he wants to do, but rather what he will do.
Should Auston Matthews be involved with what the Leafs front office does in the offseason?
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