The future of center Auston Matthews remains one of the biggest topics around the Toronto Maple Leafs this offseason, and NHL insider Pierre LeBrun has shared a new update.

After a disappointing 2025-26 season, Toronto missed the playoffs and finished last in the Atlantic Division. Because of that, many have begun doubting Matthews’ future with the team. 

Even with all the rumors, Pierre LeBrun believes the situation points toward Matthews staying with the Toronto Maple Leafs.

“I’m still unsure of where this all goes with Toronto and Auston Matthews. I think all signs are pointing towards Matthews wanting to stay put," LeBrun reported. "But I don’t think that’s been communicated yet, a hundred percent from Matthews and his agent, Judd Moldaver, to John Chayka.”

The star center had one of the hardest seasons of his career. He suffered a Grade 3 MCL tear and a quad injury, which caused him to miss the final 16 games of the season.

Matthews finished the season with 27 goals and 53 points in 60 games, the lowest totals of his career. His comments after the season also increased speculation about his future.

When reporters asked if he would stay in Toronto, Matthews said he could not say what would happen in the future.

LeBrun further mentioned, “I think that the next 3-4 weeks loom large in terms of what Toronto does to get Matthews to that decision, which I think will be his decision. I think he’s staying."

While no final decision has been made, LeBrun’s comments give hope to fans who want to see Auston Matthews stay with the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Maple Leafs Have Taken Steps to Strengthen Their Position

Several things over the last few months may have improved the situation for the Toronto Maple Leafs and Auston Matthews.

Toronto won the 2026 NHL Draft Lottery and earned the No. 1 overall pick. This gives the team a chance to draft top prospect Gavin McKenna, which has increased excitement about the future.

The Maple Leafs have also made changes in their leadership group. Former NHL executive John Chayka became general manager, and Maple Leafs legend Mats Sundin joined the front office as senior advisor.

According to PFSN, Auston Matthews recently had a positive Zoom meeting with John Chayka and other members of the new leadership group. Along with the recent changes in the organization, those talks may have helped increase confidence in the team’s plans.

Matthews still has two years left on his contract with a full no-move clause. The final decision is still his, but the latest reports suggest the Toronto Maple Leafs are making progress in binding their captain to a long-term deal.

What do you think? Will Auston Matthews fully commit to the Toronto Maple Leafs?

Read more at the NHL Fan Central.

Written by

Kapil Manghnani

Edited by

Sijo Paul