Matthews Gives Maple Leafs Best Possible News During Zoom Meeting

According to a recent report by NHL insider Elliotte Friedman, Auston Matthews and the Toronto Maple Leafs have not had an opportunity for an in-person meeting, but that doesn’t mean messaging hasn’t been relayed that will put the Maple Leafs at ease.

Friedman explained during his most recent 32 Thoughts podcast that while an in-person meeting isn’t feasible right now, the two sides have talked. Out of their online Zoom meeting, it was learned that Matthews’ priority is to win in Toronto, and the Maple Leafs are operating under the assumption he’s bought in and staying.

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Friedman reported that Toronto has coaching interviews, and they just had their scouting meetings as well. “There’s a lot to do.” At the same time, Matthews just had surgery. Their timeline and his made meeting in Arizona extremely difficult. Their isn’t a plan to do so anytime in the near future.

Instead, the two sides met over a Zoom call that included Matthews, GM John Chayka, and Mats Sundin. Friedman described it as sort of their first in-depth conversation. “It was a positive meeting, and right now things are in a good place,” said Friedman.

He adds, “Matthews has indicated that he wants to win in Toronto and that is the message that he has reiterated and that is what the organization is going with.”

While this isn’t Matthews committing to the team with a new extension, and it does leave the door open to a possible trade, it’s not on anyone’s radar at this stage. The Maple Leafs want to get better and Matthews wants to be part of the improvement. For now, the organization can take having to shop around or test the market on their top star. He’s in.

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