Auston Matthews refuses to commit to signing in Toronto long-term

Oh, boy... buckle up, Toronto Maple Leafs fans.

The team is conducting their final media availability for the season before breaking for a long offseason and, of course, most reporters were drawn to captain Auston Matthews earlier this morning.

Matthews is in year two of a four year agreement that pays him a whopping $13.25 million per season and there's speculation that he may not be around for the long haul. Meaning, that he's not interested in signing a contract extension beyond his current four year agreement that expires in 2028.

Matthews was asked specifically if he's committed to the team and if he would consider re-signing when he dropped a bomb on Leafs Nation:

"I can't really predict the future."

Interesting... I bet I can and the future doesn't involve Matthews in a blue and white jersey.

"Obviously there are steps that kinda have to take place," Matthews said. "They've got to hire new leadership and management... so I don't really know. Like I said, I can't really predict the future."

When asked for his personal thoughts on Toronto and rumors that he wants out of town Matthews said, "There's always noise and there's always chatter. Personally, I don't really pay attention to that. I just focus myself, focus on this team and try to be part of the solution."

My prediction?

He's gone at the first opportunity.

The Leafs are going to have to undergo a lengthy rebuilding process and Matthews is in the prime of his career. I don't see him wanting to be part of a losing team at this stage of his career.

It's really a shame how the Leafs have managed to fumble the decade since first drafting Matthews. They had a top team with a surplus of talent and skill but could just never put the pieces together to make a run for the Stanley Cup. Add in some overreactions from management and you've got the recipe for dysfunction.