Toronto wants to keep Auston Matthews around past 2028, but if they can't then at least they have already found the one to take over as leader of the Maple Leafs.
Where there's always a chance that Auston Matthews sticks around past the 2028 season, a lot of that is dependent on if the moves made this offseason are going to work out. A lot was invested on winning in the next two years, and the majority of deals made by John Chayka had the goal of making sure Matthews was protected and competitive.
But nothing is guaranteed and while the moves on paper make sense, it's only once the team gets on the ice and starts to play regularly will we get a better idea of their value.
If Toronto falters again this season, and can't pull it out in 2027 then it's very likely that Matthews heads out of town and finds a new place to play. That's going to leave a huge leadership hole in the locker room though it's a good thing that they've at least started grooming his successor.
Why the face of the Maple Leafs is Matthew Knies not Gavin McKenna
No, it's not Gavin McKenna as many would assume given his generational talent, but in fact Matthew Knies. The 23-year-old power forward has proven that he can be a leader on and off the ice, is still a few years from his prime and is signed long-term.
McKenna may very well be a leader in due time, he's only a teenager and still needs a few years in the NHL to grow and learn how things work in the biggest pro hockey league in the world. Knies however already has a few years behind him and instantly became a top-line star.
Knies just came off a career year with 66 points in 79 games (23 goals, 43 assists) while adding 152 hits. Yes, he had a minus-30 but that was largely due to Toronto's porous defence that let in the second-most goals in the league for 2025-26 and doesn't reflect his true value on the ice.
Plus, you can point to Knies' activities outside of the rink and it shows just how deeply engrained he is already within Toronto culture. He chugged a beer in front of the Raptors crowd during the playoffs, and was notably blown away when Toronto won the first overall pick (thinking it was a legitimate prank on him).
-
He also committed for a bargain price ($7.75-million AAV) until 2031 and compared to some of the deals signed recently, it's going to only appreciate as the cap rises.
You're going to have McKenna as a leader in the future for sure, but he needs time. Matthew Knies already has the time and experience necessary to lead, and if Toronto moves on from Matthews then they have another American superstar ready to take the reins.
Everything Toronto has done points to Knies being the future leader
Knies' future in Toronto was a big talking point this offseason with several trade rumours floating about. The Rangers even tried to approach Toronto regarding him and John Chayka responded by pricing Knies way out of their budget.
The full logistics of who or what would be exchanged aren't yet known but with Chayka shutting the door, it's sent out a message to other GMs that unless you're willing to jeopardize your team's future - Knies is out of your price range.
Locked into his prime at a crazy value, it would be hard to swallow moving that type of financial benefit. There's only two years between now and 2028 and that's two more years of growth and experience while also getting better overall.
Remember, Knies only has three full seasons with 240 games played, so another 160 games to learn, grow, and become more well-rounded is only going to benefit him.
McKenna won't be ready in time if Matthews leaves, and John Tavares will be in the twilight of his career and happily ready to pass on those responsibilities.
Matthew Knies has proven that he can be the one to take over if Auston leaves town and the Maple Leafs are prepping him to eventually wear the 'C'.
Do you think Matthew Knies is the future captain for the Toronto Maple Leafs?
Also read on Hockey Patrol :
John Chayka refused the Rangers deal that Brad Treliving would have taken