Maple Leafs Can’t Give Matthews What He Really Wants – Hockey Writers – Toronto Maple Leafs

It may not be as easy as it sounds, but the Toronto Maple Leafs need to know what Auston Matthews will do in the NHL Entry Draft. In fact, to a lesser extent, they need to know what William Nylander thinks too. If no player, especially the captain, is ready to commit to the organization when the NHL Entry Draft arrives, the Maple Leafs need to take action. Sitting idle is not a strong game plan.

That means the Maple Leafs can’t really give Matthews what he might want more than anything: time.

Maple Leafs Need to Know Everything

The 2026-27 roster cannot be reused or rebuilt on draft day. That goes without saying. However, if new general manager John Chayka doesn’t know where Matthews stands when they pick No. 1, you need to force a decision from him. Toronto has to plan for the possibility of Matthews leaving, and there’s no better time to make a move (if needed) than on draft day.

If Matthews is unsure, Chayka should consider trading his star. Of course, Matthews isn’t completely moving, and he’ll say where he’s going, but any deal, with any team Matthews is willing to consider, could include a first-round pick. The Leafs need to restart their rebuild on the day they pick No. 1 overall. Appropriately, they remain in the top five.

If Matthews is determined to stay, Chayka needs to voice his captain about what he wants to see from the team. If he’s happy playing with Gavin McKenna, or if Matthews believes defense is the priority, Chayka should relay that information to Matthews if he doesn’t want to volunteer.

This 2026 NHL Draft Means Everything

This is a make or break draft for the Maple Leafs. They got lucky with the No. 1 pick, and that means they took full advantage of the luck of the lottery. That goes beyond being a top pick if Matthews or Nylander feel a change is in their future.

If Matthews wants out, the Maple Leafs need to know before the draft and have a list of teams to consider. It will be up to Chayka to have discussions with the opposing GMs to know what is on the table. The same goes for Nylander, who also doesn’t have full range of motion and full control in the end zone.

If both players are there to stay in Toronto, Chayka and Mats Sundin need to understand the level of trust they have in this new management team. Did they ride with anyone rookie scouts saw as the right choice? Do you have any concerns?

And, perhaps most importantly, Chayka and Sundin need to know that Matthews and Nylander are done with the current coach. If Craig Berube isn’t the guy, the two should talk. What won’t happen is the Maple Leafs operating under the assumption that both Matthews and Nylander are satisfied, draft based on that assumption, and then find out that no one is happy if Berube is retained.

Matthews Wants Time, But He Can Only Have So Much

Matthews may want time to watch things unfold before making his decision. Finally, you have the strength and power to take it. On the other hand, the Maple Leafs will be making important decisions as this draft is based on feedback from their top two players. Without those indicators, Toronto will struggle to make the necessary calls on a day that will set them up for the next few years.

The Leafs need answers. Are you in or out? And those answers need to come before the draft.