Maple Leafs GM: Auston Matthews 'Fully Committed' to Maple Leafs
Auston Matthews is ready to put a very interesting offseason behind him, and according to Toronto Maple Leafs general manager John Chayka, is fully committed to the organization.
“It's funny … like, you're always selling players on your (plan), and, you know, we recruited free agents and stuff,” Chayka said. “And Auston had never felt like we're getting him to buy in. If anything, it was more like he's getting us to buy in and what's the right thing for the Toronto Maple Leafs. Like, that's always been our discussion. That’s how we talked about all of it.
“Obviously, he has a unique perspective, being in the locker room and going through the ups and downs and being the captain of the team. And so, from Day 1 it was always like, what’s best for the team (and) what's best for the organization? Total, you know, commitment to doing whatever it takes to win.
“I think at this point in his career he's made all his money, he's got all the personal accolades, he's won an Olympic gold medal. I think he's really at a point where there's only one thing that matters -- success with the Maple Leafs.”
Matthews has two seasons left on his contract and is eligible to sign an extension next July. This summer, with a series of massive changes to the organization, some around the media felt Matthews was going to follow the suits of Brady Tkachuk, Dylan Larkin, and Connor Hellebuyck with asking for a trade, but that hasn't been the case at all in Toronto. Matthews is ready for a new chapter of Leafs' hockey and his new GM couldn't be more excited.
“Obviously, he has a unique perspective, being in the locker room and going through the ups and downs and being the captain of the team. And so, from Day 1 it was always like, what’s best for the team (and) what's best for the organization? Total, you know, commitment to doing whatever it takes to win.
“I think at this point in his career he's made all his money, he's got all the personal accolades, he's won an Olympic gold medal. I think he's really at a point where there's only one thing that matters -- success with the Maple Leafs.”
Matthews' contract extension will be top of mind for Chayka, who didn't shy away from the importance of getting his captain locked up, long term. “We have, what, 10 months for that? And a lot can happen in 10 months (laughs). Let’s get through our first regular-season game. Now, having said that, we have a great relationship with Auston. We have a great relationship with Judd (Moldaver), his representative. I know (Auston’s) family a bit from being around Arizona, so there’s a lot of shared interest. Right now, let’s deal with the business of winning. When it’s time for business, we’ll deal with it.”
Matthews is ready to put knee surgery and injury troubles with his back last season behind him, and is set for a monster year for Leafs Nation.