Auston Matthews spoke with the media on Monday and was requested a variety of questions relating to each his future and the potential way forward for the Toronto Maple Leafs’ roster. Saying he nonetheless believes within the core group of gamers and that the crew is sweet sufficient to win, when requested about his personal future, he famous that his precedence is to remain with the Maple Leafs and get an extension accomplished earlier than the beginning of subsequent season.
Matthews goes to be beginning the ultimate season of his present deal and there’s a ton of hypothesis and concern over his want to remain in Toronto or take a look at the market as a doable UFA. He famous, “My intention is to be here. I think I’ve reciprocated that before, how much I enjoy playing here and what it means to me… the organization, my teammates, and how much I just enjoy being here.” When requested when he’d wish to get that contract extension accomplished, he stated it was necessary however that it will are available in due time.
The purpose Matthews was requested that query is that he’s acquired a no-move clause that kicks in on July 1 and creates a possible hurdle within the remaining yr of his deal. If he’s not going to remain or negotiations don’t go effectively, the Leafs would possibly really feel like have little selection however to discover a commerce if the 2 sides are miles aside on an extension. Toronto needs essentially the most flexibility doable and so they lose the ability of buying him round if he’s acquired management over the place he finally goes.
Outside of Matthews, there’s loads of chatter surrounding the group. Who would be the subsequent GM? What gamers is the crew going to maintain and which is able to they let go? Will they commerce one among their massive stars? Matthews’ future is by far the best precedence, however what occurs with different areas of the crew would possibly have an effect on his want to stay round.
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