"There was a conversation this week between the Maple Leafs and Matthews' representation. They just asked, "Is anything here different with the way this season has gone?" Is there any reason for the Maple Leafs to believe Matthews wouldn't want to return for 2026-27, or for Matthews believe that the Maple Leafs wouldn't want him to return for 2026-27? And both sides reaffirmed their commitment to each other."
"Friedman: Now, something is different. Everyone sees the standings. Everybody sees that the Maple Leafs are in a position they didn't expect to be in. One thing they have done this week is begin the process of calling around the league and seeing what is available to them, with them being in a position where they might have to consider some things they didn't expect to consider."
The Maple Leafs' season has deteriorated following the offseason loss of Mitch Marner, raising concerns about roster stability. Auston Matthews, age 28, has two years remaining on his contract after this season. Team management met with Matthews' representatives to confirm whether recent results changed either side's thinking, and both parties reaffirmed their commitment to each other for 2026–27. The front office has begun calling around the league to probe the trade market for non-core players because the team occupies a worse-than-expected standings position. No specific trade discussions or decisions have been finalized.
Read at Maple Leafs Hotstove
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