Auston Matthews isn’t asking to leave. He’s waiting to see if Toronto deserves him

There's a lot of chatter recently about the Toronto Maple Leafs and their captain Auston Matthews. Is he going to stick around through the 2028 season, or will he feel the team hasn't done enough to warrant keeping him long-term?

A lot of that is going to depend on the new hires and roster coming in and until they can prove that they are serious about building the proper team around him — he's going to be patiently waiting for some evidence.

It better come soon too because it's very likely he's not too pleased as he watches Mitch Marner in the postseason.

Right now, Mitch Marner is sitting comfortable in the playoffs, with Vegas the likely favourite agains the Utah Mammoth. Right now the series is tied 1-1 but at least he's seeing postseason action.

Matthews on the other hand is sitting at home recovering from a torn MCL suffered at the hands of Radko Gudas. There's no doubt some minor resentment from the captain towards Marner knowing that his team kind of squeaked in; if they were in the East it would be a lot different.

He has two points in two games, and while it isn't exactly an easy series, it's likely that the Golden Knights head to the second round and further. If Marner gets hot and shows that he can actually come through in the clutch, you have to wonder if he really cared about winning in Toronto.

But it doesn't change the fact that Matthews has to sit and watch Marner — a guy who left so unceremoniously and with a lot of heat — thrive in Vegas and potentially find a ton of success.

And that is going to only drive him out of town.

To answer this question you have to take a look at whether the fact the Maple Leafs truly have what it takes to change his mind. Right now, there's a lot of talk about having some real protection around him, and if the new management comes in and doesn't provide that — strike one.

Plus, as much as Matthews is good, he needs someone who can facilitate the offensive side for him as he's unable to pass and score just by himself. Say what you want about Marner, but when he is responsible for 50% of Matthews' production; it says a lot.

Without them getting a proper playmaker and someone on the backend who can not only facilitate the offence but give him every opportunity to thrive properly and not be burdened with useless defensive shifts; he's a great defender but he's a 69-goal scorer. Prioritize that.

If not? Strike two.

Finally we need to have the right person coming in. It's all great that the roster can change and there's a new philosophy in town but what if Matthews doesn't see eye to eye with that change?

Let's say Toronto hires John Chayka. Sure, he's a great analytical name and someone who could be a great asset. However, if Toronto misses out on Scott White because of it, they are robbing themselves of someone who has worked with arguably the best GM and President in the entire league.

Matthews may think the process is rushed (and frankly it kind of is) and if that's going to lead to a rushed roster construction just for the sake of getting things done?

Strike three — the captain's out.

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Before hiring John Chayka the Maple Leafs need to address the unresolved Arizona Coyotes question from 2020