'I Can't Predict The Future': Auston Matthews Unsure What Comes Next With Maple Leafs
Speaking for the first time since he suffered a season-ending injury last month, Auston Matthews' left leg was still noticeably swollen and in a brace as he addressed the media a day after the regular season ended.
But the Toronto Maple Leafs captain, who said he just got off crutches recently, was hopeful that the worst of this rollercoaster of a season was behind him.
"I didn't think I'd be standing here today," Matthews said.
Auston Matthews Must Dictate The Maple Leafs' Direction
If Auston Matthews is willing to stick out a retool, the Toronto Maple Leafs' next GM must get back into the playoffs right away. But if he's uncertain about his future past 2027-28, it's time to clean house.
So maybe Matthews is right. Maybe with a little bit of health and some savvy off-season moves, the Leafs can rebound and get back into a playoff spot next year.
Then again, there is the chance that this year could be the beginning of another dark period for a franchise that, before drafting Matthews in 2016, had spent 10 of 11 years out of the playoffs.
If so, maybe the next GM will suggest the Leafs bottom out again in an attempt to replenish a cupboard devoid of top-end prospects.
A top-five pick in this year's draft would certainly help the Leafs' decision-making process.
That is, if the Leafs don't end up getting bumped out of the top five in the upcoming draft lottery, which would mean losing their first-round pick to the Bruins because of a past trade.
That's another way of saying a lot can happen between now and the start of next season.
But when Matthews was asked if he would be interested in hanging around for a one-year retool, he was noncommittal.
"I don't know," he said. "I don't know what that means. I think you have to have a more clear understanding of the what that means. Retool, rebuild - whatever it is - that's something that's going to be up to management."
In other words, this summer is not only going to dictate the Leafs' immediate future - but also Matthews' future.
Craig Berube Expects To Be Back As Maple Leafs Head Coach Next Season
Despite expecting to be back, Berube also understands that the decision will be up to the next head of hockey operations.
The 28-year-old recently watched as his linemate and close friend, Mitch Marner, left Toronto for the Vegas Golden Knights last summer. That decision appears to be paying off, considering that the Golden Knights finished first in the Pacific Division.
So maybe these next two years will be the final two years that Matthews spends in Toronto.
Of course, there's no guarantee that Matthews will even make it that far.
"I can't predict the future," he said. "Obviously, there are steps that kind of have to take place. They have to hire new leadership and management and stuff like that. I don't really know. Like I said, I can't predict the future."
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This story was originally published April 16, 2026 at 11:11 AM.