What Happens to Auston Matthews if Toronto Decides to Sell?

Whenever the team is going through a tough stretch, Auston Matthews trade speculation seems to hover around the Toronto Maple Leafs. This season has certainly provided plenty of turbulence. The Maple Leafs look like they’re going to miss the playoffs and sell at the trade deadline, with some wondering if Matthews should be part of trade conversations. That said, the idea that Matthews might want out may be overblown.

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There’s been talk this week about negotiating with the Maple Leafs to get a new deal done. Considering Mitch Marner‘s past situation and Marner holding off on signing, then eventually leaving, it’s understandable there might be concern. What if Matthews isn’t confident? What if he isn’t prepared to commit to the team, and the organization starts getting nervous that they could lose him for nothing?

Insiders reported that there’s no indication Matthews is thinking about leaving. Chris Johnston said this week he “bets” Matthews wants to stay in Toronto, even as the Leafs struggle to find consistency. While outside noise often connects Matthews’ U.S. birthplace to the possibility of playing elsewhere someday, it’s not yet a concern.

Still, he added that if he were in Toronto’s front office, he’d have the conversation anyway.

Should the Maple Leafs Worry About Matthews and His Desire to Stay?

Matthews was asked about the future of the team with rumors swirling that they could pivot to becoming sellers at this season’s NHL trade deadline. If that happens, how will that impact his decision to stick with the team?

“You kind of leave that up to the management,” Matthews said. “For us, it’s about the next game. It’s about winning.” That sounds far more like a captain focused on turning things around than someone with one foot out the door.

Johnston reports that there is active dialogue between Matthews’ agent and the team and that he doesn’t see any issues. Matthews signed his last contract extension early, avoiding the type of drawn-out uncertainty that often leads to exits.

So should the Leafs still worry?

Maybe not about Matthews leaving — but about wasting his prime.

Toronto’s bigger challenge is building a roster that can finally break through in the playoffs. If the Leafs continue spinning their wheels, the pressure won’t come from Matthews demanding a trade. It’ll come from the organization realizing it can’t afford more lost seasons with one of the NHL’s best goal scorers in the lineup. Or, perhaps they should worry that they’ve got the wrong guy trying to push them over the hump and need to bring someone else in to take some pressure off their superstar.

Next: NHL Analyst’s Shocking Artemi Panarin To Maple Leafs Trade Proposal