Auston Matthews isn’t going anywhere - at least, not if he has anything to say about it.
According to NHL insider Elliotte Friedman, the Maple Leafs’ franchise cornerstone is still all-in on Toronto. Friedman recently noted he “bets” Matthews wants to stay put, offering a strong indication that the 28-year-old center remains committed to the only NHL team he’s ever known.
And really, why wouldn’t he be?
Yes, it’s been a bumpy ride this season for the Leafs, and yes, the departure of Mitch Marner last offseason shook the fanbase. But Matthews has never been one to run from adversity. He’s been the face of this franchise for a decade now, and despite the noise surrounding the team’s struggles, his game hasn’t wavered.
Through 676 career games - all in Toronto - Matthews has piled up 427 goals and 345 assists, good for 772 points. That’s elite production by any standard.
He’s led the league in goals three times, and he’s topped the NHL in even-strength goals five times. That tells you everything you need to know about his ability to create offense without relying on the man advantage.
But it’s not just the scoring that makes Matthews indispensable. He’s become a more complete player as he’s matured - a dependable shot blocker, a leader who logs more than a third of each game on the ice, and a captain who carries the weight of a hockey-obsessed market on his shoulders every night.
At 28, he’s still in his prime, and with two years remaining on his current contract, the question isn’t whether Toronto should extend him - it’s when. Matthews is the kind of player you build around, not the kind you let walk.
So while speculation around his future may bubble up - especially with the Leafs battling through a tough stretch - all signs point to Matthews wanting to stay right where he is. And for a fanbase that’s seen its share of stars come and go, that’s a reassuring signal from the guy wearing the “C.”