​Toronto fans may breathe a sigh of relief following recent updates regarding captain Auston Matthews. Rumors have suggested that the Maple Leafs' center is not committed to his role in the long term and is considering his future.

Moreover, in early May, NHL correspondent Chris Johnston had claimed that Matthews might exit Toronto if the team was not winning.

However, amidst the furore, Darren Dreger, a Canadian sports commentator, opened up about Matthews on Overdrive.

"There does seem to be now a growing sense that he's more than willing, of course, to get there in training camp," Dreger said, as per The Hockey Patrol. "It's just his hope, and maybe expectation is a better word, that the team is better."

Supporting this claim is Leafs Morning Take host, Nick Alberga, who has refuted rumors linking Matthews away from the Maple Leafs.

"In short, it's unlikely he's going anywhere this summer. He likes playing in Toronto, he wants to win in Toronto." he posted on X.

He insists that the reports have been misinterpreted, prompting Matthews' camp to clarify proceedings.

"Like any star player, he just wants to know what the plan is," he stated.

The Toronto Maple Leafs suffered a disappointing 2025-26 season.

For the first time in nine years, the team missed out on the Stanley Cup Playoffs. The Maple Leafs subsequently fired GM, Brad Treliving, and appointed John Chayka. Following his arrival, Chayka issued the dismissal of head coach, Craig Berube.

With the front-office undergoing overhaul, squad changes are also expected . Speaking on the matter, Chris Johnston recently claimed that the organization will consider offers for everyone but Auston Matthews.

"One of the things I’ve been told by other teams with the Leafs is that the message that’s come out from their front office is that they’re willing to discuss any players on their roster, except Auston Matthews," he stated, on the Chris Johnston Show.

Meanwhile, Chayka has voiced his plans to sit with Matthews to learn about his thoughts on the future of the Maple Leafs organization.

Anthony Di Marco believes Auston Matthews could fit at the Flyers

Despite reports leaning towards Matthews staying, The Daily Faceoff's Anthony Di Marco believes he could be on the move to the Philadelphia Flyers, who are in dire need of a center.

Di Marco also laid out a possible path for this exchange.

"The Flyers don’t have a young center who can jump into the lineup to offer up, but a name like Matvei Michkov is one that would likely have Chayka listening," he stated, as per Heavy.

The Flyers have been seeking a strong first-line center for the past few seasons. With prospects like Jett Luchanko still developing, Di Marco's theory may not be far-fetched.

"This is not to say the Flyers are shopping Michkov, but it sounds like a player of Matthews’ caliber could make the Flyers consider moving players they ideally wouldn’t want to," Di Marco added.

As for Matthews, he has scored 27 goals and 26 assists in 60 games. This marking a decline in his numbers from previous seasons, which have further fuel speculations.

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Written by

Ankita Yadav

Edited by

Sijo Paul