Maple Leafs Rumors: Auston Matthews May Now Leave Toronto

The Toronto Maple Leafs are a complete dumpster fire. After a second-round exit from the hands of the Florida Panthers, what has followed has Leafs Nation scratching their heads wondering what in the world is going on. 

General manager Kyle Dubas has been let go after contract extension talks were near completed. President Brendan Shanahan had a change of heart in the 11th hour and now the team needs a new GM and very likely a new head coach. Another order of business, re-signing Auston Matthews. 

Auston Matthews says he wants to remain in Toronto, believes in the core and has a great relationship with Kyle Dubas.

— luke fox (@lukefoxjukebox) May 15, 2023

The chances of Matthews staying in Toronto went way down after Dubas was shown the door. Another huge element in all of his is the fact Jason Spezza, who was the special assistant to the GM quit moments after he found out Dubas was canned. Spezza is someone who Matthews is very close with and frankly this could all leave a very sour taste in the Maple Leafs superstar's mouth.

Matthews also shares the same agent as Dubas so again, just another wrinkle in this mess. If Matthews leaves, it would be a complete disaster for the Maple Leafs. His no-movement clause kicks in July 1 so any move after needs to be approved by the Leafs star. 

Interesting that Dubas is represented by Chris Armstrong of Wasserman.

Also a Wasserman client: Auston Matthews https://t.co/DLggMY2gpD

— Kevin Papetti (@KPapetti) May 20, 2023

All the best to KD. He's kind, compassionate and exactly the type of guy you want to work for. He's adaptable and leaves TOR in a great place.

The biggest question now is...what does Auston Matthews think of this. That is a biggie.

— Rachel Doerrie (@racheldoerrie) May 19, 2023

At the end of the season press conference, the Arizona native was saying all the right things. He'd like to stick around, cares about his teammates and sees a future in Toronto. Now, with all of the turmoil these past 48 hours, does Matthews want to stick around? Hard to say at this point after it appeared to be a lock less than a week ago.

Photo credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports