Why the Maple Leafs may rethink Auston Matthews' $53M future

Toronto Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews is once again in the spotlight as fresh NHL trade rumors have emerged following the team’s offseason moves. Matthews has not asked for a trade, so there is no indication he is itching to leave. But it has been speculated that the club’s performance during the 2026-27 NHL season could go a long way toward impacting talks about his long-term future ahead of a pivotal contract time frame.