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Maple Leafs rumors: What Auston Matthews must see from new front office to stick around
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- Maple Leafs rumors: What Auston Matthews must see from new front office to stick around
Maple Leafs rumors: What Auston Matthews must see from new front office to stick around appeared first on ClutchPoints . Add ClutchPoints as a Preferred Source by clicking here .
It was a disaster of a season for the Toronto Maple Leafs , finishing in last place in the Atlantic Division. This led the Maple Leafs to revamp the front office , as Mats Sundin comes in as a senior advisor and John Chayka as the new general manager.
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The new front office needs to decide on the future of Auston Matthews , the Leafs captain. Meanwhile, Matthews needs to figure out if he wants to be part of the future or force his way out of Toronto. Now, it is being reported what Matthews wants to see in order to stay with the club, according to Chris Johnston of The Athletic.
"Matthews has two years remaining on his contract, but still isn't sure if he'll be back in Toronto in the fall, according to league sources," Johnston wrote.
Matthews was cryptic about his future at the end of the season, noting that he was unable to predict the future. The team still has Matthews, William Nylander , and John Tavares , but Mitch Marner is now with the Vegas Golden Knights , and there are questions around the path forward for the Maple Leafs. This was the first time in his career that Matthews, the first overall selection of the 2016 NHL Draft, did not play in the Stanley Cup Playoffs as the Leafs went from division champs to last place.
"The only sales pitch Matthews needs at this stage is real action, according to league sources. Before committing to another season in Toronto, he wants to see a roster that has been meaningfully upgraded through trades and free agency. This isn't about selling him on a fancy 12-point plan or a bunch of vague promises. Seeing is believing," Johnston continued.
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The Leafs have the cap space to make some moves in the offseason. They are projected to have just over $25 million in cap space. Meanwhile, the team has just two restricted free agents and two unrestricted free agents. They are without a first and second-round draft pick this year as well. Still, some moves can be made.
If the new front office does not impress Matthews with those moves, he may be asking to be the next piece moved out of Toronto.
Related: Maple Leafs rumors: Insider warns about 'at best' Auston Matthews trade demand scenario
Related: Why Keith Pelley thinks John Chayka is the right GM for Maple Leafs
