NHL Rumor Roundup: Latest Maple Leafs Speculation After Cleanout Day
The Toronto Maple Leafs are heading into an uncertain off-season following a difficult campaign. Some observers wonder what the future holds for Auston Matthews and Matthew Knies.
Video Transcript
I'm Lyle Richardson of the Hockey News, and in today's NHL Rumor Roundup column, I'm looking at the latest on the Toronto Maple Leafs following their locker clean-out day as the players and their staff head off into what could be an uncertain offseason.
And topping the list, of course, is what the future holds for team captain Auston Matthews.
The 28-year-old superstar center has two years remaining on his contract, but conjecture abounds about what his intentions will be.
And there have been some, people out there who've been speculating that Matthews could become one of the biggest names in this summer's trade market.
However, for his part, Matthews, seems sort of noncommittal about the future.
he told reporters yesterday that, of course, he loves being a, a Maple Leaf and loves being the team captain.
but he cited, you know, the club's efforts regarding their search for a general manager as to why he's not really making any concrete plans right now about his future.
And when he was asked about what he felt about a, a one-year roster retool, he said that he didn't know what that really meant, and he wanted to f- to learn more about it once the new general manager gets into place.
now, that has some observers believing that Matthews is leaving the door open for his departure, but my take on it is that he just wants to find out who the new general manager's going to be and what their plans are for the offseason and for next season.
So I'm not expecting Matthews to be available in the trade market this summer.
But as I've mentioned before, a lot is gonna depend on how things shake out for the Maple Leafs next season.
And if next season is as bad as this season was, then any concerns about Auston Matthews thinking about departing will be justified.
