Auston Matthews is considered one of the most proficient forwards in the NHL. He is also up for a contract extension that may be signed this offseason. If he doesn’t, and that’s up in the air proper now, a no-move clause kicks in on Canada Day. At that time, the Toronto Maple Leafs can not commerce him with out his say-so.
He may theoretically stroll to free company when his contract expires at the finish of subsequent season. And that risk has develop into a topic of hypothesis. What is his future with the staff? What is on his thoughts?
Both followers and hockey analysts surprise about his subsequent transfer – as I do. In this put up, I’ll think about the potentialities and discover Matthews’ mindset. I’ll additionally speculate that Matthews will keep in Toronto and can supply 4 the explanation why I imagine he’ll accomplish that.
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Matthews Was Clear in His Season’s Exit Interviews
During his exit interviews that accomplished the season, Matthews spoke with the media. He was clear that he liked enjoying in Toronto and wished to stay a Maple Leafs’ participant. From the outdoors wanting into the staff, the staff appears to love one another so much. They all expressed comparable emotions that Matthews expressed.
If that’s true, and there’s no cause to doubt it, each loyalty and staff camaraderie are key traits of this staff’s members. Although Matthews grew up in the United States (particularly in Arizona), there was hypothesis that he’d be attracted again dwelling to the Phoenix space or may be lured to different warm-weather US locations akin to the Los Angeles Kings or the Anaheim Ducks.
I imagine that Matthews will keep in Toronto, and listed here are 4 the explanation why I imagine that is the case.
Reason One: Matthews Sees the World Differently
But Matthews appears to see it in a different way. He expressed that he’s loved being a Maple Leaf and that he intends to barter a contract extension. Given the tightness of the staff, he may prioritize successful a Stanley Cup with the core of teammates he’s grown up with (in an expert sense) and has suffered postseason defeat with over the previous seven years.
He might be one of some NHL stars that reject the development of celebrity departures from a staff. Instead of looking for instant success as an addition to a different staff, maybe he valued the fulfilment that comes from successful after enduring adversity. Perhaps he additionally believes he may develop into the chief of the Maple Leafs’ first Stanley Cup after so many postseasons of failure.
Related: Former Maple Leafs GM Shares Regrets About Leaving the Team
Reason Two: Matthews Has Grown and Matured
Matthews was a teen when he first suited up with the staff. Fans have seen him develop and mature over latest years. While he hasn’t at all times been a job mannequin for good behaviour, he appears to have distanced himself from these previous incidents that put a smudge beside his title. Instead, he’s centered on changing into a greater participant. His on-ice efficiency has been past stable.
He additionally needs desperately to win. That was apparent when he embraced his father after the staff eradicated the Lightning from the playoffs. Such behaviour appears to reveal his dedication to successful hockey. He’s grown in his management; and, at the similar time, his dedication to his staff has deepened.
There’s some hypothesis that he’s performed by way of Round 2 accidents, however that was by no means apparent. He stays decided to work onerous and enhance. The result’s to guide his staff to playoff success.
Reason Three: Matthews Has Gained More Self-Confidence and Found His Identity
It isn’t as if Matthews has been immune from critique. There’s a sure group of Maple Leafs’ followers who level to his postseason play as lower than acceptable. Yet, regardless of criticism and expectations, Matthews exudes self-assurance. He appears greater than comfy in his personal pores and skin.
Part of that confidence should come from the spectacular assortment of trophies and accolades he’s gathered over the previous few seasons. He received the Calder Trophy as a rookie; he’s received two Rocket Richard Trophies, the Ted Lindsay Award, and the 2021-22 Hart Trophy. It isn’t seemingly that he’ll lose a lot sleep over any recommendations from followers that he must develop into extra bodily – even to combat – if he’s going to develop into simpler on the ice.
Reason Four: Matthews Wants to Lead This Maple Leafs’ Team
Matthews needs to assist his staff win the Stanley Cup. Sadly, to me and I’d guess to him, he received’t win that Cup with his former common supervisor Kyle Dubas. While some followers imagine Matthews and Dubas weren’t shut, my logic and all the pieces I see would appear to point that’s in all probability not true.
As I famous earlier than, I imagine that one key cause Matthews will keep in Toronto is that he sees himself as the on-ice chief for this staff’s first Stanley Cup win in nearly 60 years. He believes he’s Toronto’s future. And that’s an excellent factor that speaks of confidence and never vanity.
My guess – and it’s simply that – is that Matthews will spend his profession main the Maple Leafs to a Stanley Cup or he’ll retire attempting.
The Bottom Line
So a lot of this put up is speculative and depends on my studying of the 5 seasons I’ve watched Matthews play with the Blue and White. I imagine Matthew will keep with the staff as a result of his mindset revolves round his want to win a Stanley Cup with the Maple Leafs.
It’s simply that straightforward. Despite exterior hypothesis, he’s expressed his pleasure and loyalty in the direction of the group and his love for his teammates. He’s a comrade in arms with the different members of this staff. He needs to win with his mates.
Matthews is mature, self-confident, and he believes he can lead this group of men to a championship. Matthews stays a beacon of hope for Maple Leafs followers.
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