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Auston Matthews of the Maple Leafs

New Toronto Maple Leafs general manager John Chayka is disputing a claim that captain Auston Matthews is unsure about returning to the team.

A report in The Athletic this week suggested that Matthews isn’t sure if he wants to come back to the Maple Leafs next year after the team missed the playoffs this past season.

Toronto’s new GM, however, is disputing that report.

John Chayka Says Auston Matthews Hasn’t Told Him He Wants Out

Speaking to TSN’s OverDrive, Chayka was asked point-blank if Matthews told him he doesn’t want to come back to the Maple Leafs, and the Leafs’ new GM said he hasn’t heard that notion.

“That’s not my understanding,” Chayka responded when asked if Matthews wants out (h/t The Hockey News). “I think Auston has invested his entire career, and what the next decade of his career looks like, I think it’s important that he feels a connectivity, an alignment. He has a similar vision and passion that we do, and so we’ll have those conversations and get together and share notes. And honestly, I want to be a good listener.

“He’s the captain, it’s his room. He’s been through the ups and downs of this market. Obviously, Mats (Sundin) has a unique perspective to share as well, and I’m sure there’ll be some good back and forth in that regard. But I totally understand the perspective of, you only have so many years as a player, and it goes by quick. And you want to make sure that you feel fully aligned and gauged in what’s going on, and I have no problem having those conversations, sharing our thoughts, learning, seeing if there’s a shared, common vision, and charting a path forward.”

Auston Matthews Has 2 More Years Left on His Contract

Matthews has two more years left on his contract at $13.25 million per season. That does put the Maple Leafs on the clock to an extent, as he can walk away in two years in free agency and leave the team without receiving any compensation in return. That’s why it’s so important that the Maple Leafs and Matthews get together and figure out if he’s committed to the team for the long term, because if it’s not, then it would be better for everyone if the team traded him to a contender and got assets in return.

Given how poorly the Leafs played this season, it’s understandable why Matthews would be frustrated. But after the Leafs won the NHL Draft Lottery and have the No. 1 pick in the upcoming draft, there is a lot more reason for optimism now than there was a few days ago. The team has a ton of cap room and the ability to draft top prospect Gavin McKenna, so the squad has the potential to be much improved next year.

Obviously, with Chayka and Sundin just coming in this week, there is a lot for them to do in a short amount of time, including convincing Matthews that this is the right fit long term. But don’t worry, Leafs fans. The sky isn’t falling, at least not yet, and if we are to believe Chayka, there’s no reason to believe Matthews won’t be back in the blue and white come the fall.