Ominous Sign for Maple Leafs on Auston Matthews’ Future

Toronto Maple Leafs center Auston Matthews

Auston Matthews does have two years to run on his contract with the Toronto Maple Leafs. But we all know in professional sports these days, if a star player isn't happy, they find their way out of town, one way or another.

With everyone around Toronto trying to make sense of the team's new front office hirings, Matthews is no different. And according to insider Chris Johnston, writing in The Athletic, the team's captain "isn't sure" yet if he'll be back in Blue & White next season.

The future of franchise player Auston Matthews remains very much in question. Matthews has two years remaining on his contract, but still isn’t sure if he’ll be back in Toronto in the fall, according to league sources.

We all remember Matthews' non-commital comment at locker cleanout day, “I can’t predict the future.” Now, with this latest report, after the controversial hiring of John Chayka as the new GM, we get an even more ominous sign of Matthews' potential future.

New GM Chayka to meet with Matthews soon

One of the first priorities for the 36-year-old head of the new front office will be to meet with the soon-to-be 30-year-old captain to discuss all things Leafs and all things Matthews Future.

“We’re going to get together in the next couple weeks and spend some time,” Chayka said. “I think he deserves some answers about where we’re at and where we’re headed, and (I’ll) give him a forum to provide feedback and ask questions and then take it from there.”

But Johnston adds that talk won't convince Matthews that it's worth sticking it out in Toronto. It's action.

"Before committing to another season in Toronto, he wants to see a roster that has been meaningfully upgraded through trades and free agency," writes CJ. "This isn’t about selling him on a fancy 12-point plan or a bunch of vague promises. Seeing is believing."

Of course, there are a couple of problems for Chayka in implementing those actions, as the free agency pool is shockingly thin this summer, and the Leafs' cupboards are close to bare as far as having any trade assets to pull off any big deals.

Chayka compared the quick ramp-up ahead of him to “trying to catch a moving train.” However, with all of the aforementioned challenges he faces, it's more apt to suggest that the train is barreling down the tracks straight for him.