Auston Matthews sending a firm message to the Toronto front office forcing a franchise shakeup
Photo credit: Bob Frid-Imagn Images
Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews said he didn't know what the future held without a new front office group, but it's not a parting statement — it's a warning.
It was locker clean out day on Thursday and that meant it was the last time the Maple Leafs are going to face the media together as there were no doubt many questions about where the team can go from here.
A disappointing season filled with injuries and failures at all ends of the ice, it's time for the team to go through some serious changes with many pointing to Auston Matthews and asking where he stands.
Why the captain withholding his long-term commitment completely corners the MLSE boardroom
Admittedly he was unsure about his future and didn't really give a confident answer, stating that the new management team has to come in first before anyone can make a decision:
I can't predict the future. They have to hire new leadership at management and stuff like that. So, I don't really know. Like I said, I can't predict the future.
While many can point to this as a statement of uncertainty and noncommittal from their captain, it's actually a very loud warning shot to the front office.
Your captain is frustrated and worried about who is coming in — you better not disappoint him. If Matthews were to simply state 'Heck yeah, I'm here no matter what, Go Leafs Go!' then it really wouldn't incentivize Toronto to bring in anyone to make changes; they already have the commitment of their stars; why take risks?
But in him stating that he doesn't know until they do, it's a matter of keeping their promise. MLSE wanted a data-driven, analytical leader so going against that and just bringing in an 'old-head' is not going to give Matthews any more confidence than he already has.
There's a lot that needs to change and it's not just about asking Matthews what he needs but it's actually following through for once.
How this intense reality check ensures the executives finally construct a heavy playoff roster
Well if the Maple Leafs were in the playoffs this year by some miracle, they would be without Matthews anyways thanks to a Radko Gudas knee. He also watched his goaltender get assaulted last year to no response either — is this a team who really does anything to win?
You need a group that not only can provide Matthews the help he needs offensively but also defensively and actually protect him. No more Morgan Rielly's or Max Domi's standing around twiddling their thumbs; it's about action.
The playoffs are a much different beast and sometimes the referees let things slide so adding in players who are willing to try and get away with murder in the name of winning is crucial. Matthews needs guys who care as much as he does.
Without the proper roster construction, the disappointments and failures are just going to continue under a shiny new coat of paint.
It's time to strip all the wallpaper off and start new, with Matthews being the glue that holds the blueprint together.
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