William Nylander and Auston Matthews address Maple Leafs selling talk with blunt deadline quotes
Photo credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images
William Nylander and Auston Matthews have spoken on the Leafs continued lack of success, and sounding more dejected.
The Toronto Maple Leafs lost their second game in a row since returning from the Olympics break, losing 5-1 to the Florida Panthers.
Captain Auston Matthews, who wanted to "focus on the moment" after his gold medal win in Milan, is now having to face the current moment in Toronto and their shortcomings.
Speaking after the loss, Matthews spoke on rumors swirling around the Leafs becoming sellers ahead of the trade deadline as Toronto spirals further out of contention.
There's always going to be a lot of noise. For us, it's focusing on the guys in the room right now, focusing on what's in front of us, directly in front of us, which is the next game. So, that's all that we can control as far as that stuff goes - Auston Matthews
William Nylander also spoke on the Leafs potential selling off plans, attempting to block out the noise and focus on his game, but acknowledging whatever happens with Toronto won't take away from him focusing on his own performance.
Yeah, I don't know what to say. It's their decision & whatever they do, I'm still going to be trying my best every night - William Nylander
Toronto Maple Leafs loss continues fear of Leafs season being gone
It looks as much as prior to the break that the Leafs aren't playing any better since the NHL's restart, despite what would have been the hope with a much needed reset, and the trade rumors will only louden.
The fear now looks more possible that the Toronto Maple Leafs have lost control of their season, and their chances at the postseason falling further and further away with repeat losses.
Toronto lost both games of a back-to-back in their first two games since the break, losses coming against the Tampa Bay Lightning and Florida Panthers.
The Leafs lineup is seemingly focused on their own game and not listening to outside noise about if they'll make the playoffs, because they believe they can, but it's nearly impossible for the front office to be able to think the same as the deadline nears.
Throughout 2026, Leafs GM Brad Treliving has indicated that the team's goal isn't to be sellers even as they look outside the playoff picture, but potentially changing as the optimism begins to fade in Toronto.
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FEVRIER 27|938 ANSWERS William Nylander and Auston Matthews address Maple Leafs selling talk with blunt deadline quotes Do the Leafs still have a shot at the playoffs? | ||
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