The Leafs finally now know where they stand with Auston Matthews

The Toronto Maple Leafs now finally know where they stand with regard to captain Auston Matthews.

NHL insider Pierre LeBrun reports today that Matthews intends on returning to Toronto for next season.

"Unless something dramatic happens in the coming weeks, [Auston Matthews] will be back next season in Toronto. That’ll be disappointing for a long list of teams...including the likes of the Kings, Ducks and Mammoth," LeBrun reported late last night.

Matthews has already cemented himself as one of the greatest players in Leafs history, but the 2026-27 season may prove to be the most important campaign of his NHL career.

Selected first overall by the Maple Leafs in the 2016 NHL Draft, Matthews immediately established himself as a franchise cornerstone by scoring four goals in his NHL debut. Over the next decade, he developed into arguably the league's premier goal scorer, capturing multiple Rocket Richard Trophies, a Hart Trophy, and eventually being named captain of the franchise in 2024. Along the way, he surpassed numerous organizational milestones, including becoming the franchise's all-time leading goal scorer in January of 2026, passing legendary captain Mats Sundin.

While Matthews has consistently delivered elite offensive production throughout his career, the 2025-26 season was one of the most challenging of his tenure. Injuries limited his effectiveness before a season-ending MCL injury in March. Without their captain in the lineup, the Maple Leafs spiraled down the standings and ultimately missed the playoffs for the first time since Matthews entered the league. The disappointing campaign led to significant organizational changes, including the hiring of a new front office and renewed pressure on the franchise to build a legitimate Stanley Cup contender around its superstar captain.

The departure of Mitch Marner has fundamentally changed the dynamic of Toronto's roster. For years, Marner served as Matthews' primary playmaker and one of the NHL's best setup men. His ability to create offense was a major factor in many of Matthews' historic goal-scoring seasons. Since Marner's move to the Vegas Golden Knights, Matthews has become the unquestioned face of the organization, carrying even greater responsibility both on and off the ice. Analysts and team observers have repeatedly pointed to Matthews as the player who will ultimately determine how successful Toronto's post-Marner era becomes.

That responsibility could become more manageable if the Maple Leafs successfully add elite prospect Gavin McKenna. Widely regarded as the top player available in the 2026 NHL Draft, McKenna is viewed as a potential franchise-altering talent. Reports have indicated that Toronto is expected to select him first overall, and many believe his offensive creativity could eventually help replace some of the production lost when Marner departed.

Even if McKenna arrives immediately, however, the rookie will not be expected to carry the franchise. That burden will remain squarely on Matthews' shoulders. The 2026-27 season represents an opportunity for the captain to re-establish himself as one of the NHL's dominant forces after an injury-plagued year while simultaneously mentoring the next generation of Maple Leafs stars. If Matthews returns to peak form and McKenna develops as projected, Toronto could quickly transform from a team that missed the playoffs into one of the most exciting young contenders in the NHL.

For the Maple Leafs, everything begins with No. 34. It always has. And heading into 2026-27, it may matter more than ever.