Maple Leafs Analyst is Riding With Auston Matthews Until the Wheels Fall Off

There’s always going to be noise surrounding the top players on the Toronto Maple Leafs—that just comes with the territory—but lately, it’s taken on a life of its own in a way Auston Matthews has never really faced before.

The only time there’s ever been legitimate discussion about Matthews’ future in Toronto came in the lead-up to his most recent extension, and even then, there wasn’t much to be worried about. Yet in recent weeks, trade speculation has begun to truly surface, whether driven by the idea that Matthews himself wants out or that the organization could someday explore a mutual parting.

Sportsnet insider Nick Kypreos recently connected the dots on a potential offseason move involving the Los Angeles Kings, and not long after, Sportsnet writer Ryan Dixon went even further, boldly predicting a blockbuster deal that would send Matthews to the San Jose Sharks in a package centered around Michael Misa in 2026.

While all of this remains purely speculative, the chatter has certainly made its way through Leafs Nation. As a result, TSN analyst Bryan Hayes has put his stake in the ground, urging the conversation to stop and calling on the fans to back their captain through it all.

Hayes said:

“I would like the debates over the future of Auston Matthews to come to an end…. But I don’t want to see this guy go anywhere. Like, I don’t want to see the end of the Auston Matthews era in Toronto until he’s basically ready to retire,”

Matthews is currently in the midst of a down year offensively, sitting below a point-per-game pace with 27 points (15 goals, 12 assists) through his first 33 games of the campaign.

The 28-year-old is in the second season of the four-year, $53 million extension he signed with the Maple Leafs in 2023, one that includes a full no-movement clause.

The Break Appears to Have Done Auston Matthews Good

While his play leading up to the holiday break was arguably the worst stretch of his NHL career, Matthews has returned looking refreshed and rejuvenated—exactly what the doctor ordered.

That improvement has shown up in the numbers (four points in two games), but more importantly, it’s been evident in his confidence and physical presence. The shot he ripped past Cam Talbot in overtime on Sunday—off the crossbar—was easily the best release he’s had all season, a sign that he’s starting to come around.

That said, Matthews did block a Dylan Larkin shot later in the game, which left him laboring from that point forward, leaving his status as a game-time decision for Tuesday night against the Devils. Maple Leafs fans will be hoping it’s nothing serious and that their captain can continue trending in the right direction, especially given that he’s finally starting to look like himself again.

Next: Analyst Predicts Auston Matthews Trade to Sharks for Top Prospect