Auston Matthews publicly calls out the broader NHL media over reports that he ever wanted to leave Toronto
Ever since the Toronto Maple Leafs drafted Auston Matthews with the first overall pick in the 2016 NHL Entry Draft, the running rumour - or sometimes the running joke - was that the first opportunity he had to hit UFA status, he would bolt and go elsewhere, potentially heading back home to Arizona, but more or less to any major American market (NYR, LAK, BOS, CHI).
Nothing that Matthews had ever said would indicate that such a move would take place, but the national media ran with it regardless and coupled with the Leafs lack of playoff success, spun the narrative that the U.S.-born superstar would walk. When he signed his first deal coming out of his ELC, many viewed the 5-year term as an indicator that he would leave Toronto when that deal expired, as it didn't buy up any UFA years whatsoever. After all, signing 5 years when most superstars were signing the full 8 - something felt off. Things only intensified this summer with contract negotiations stretched well beyond July 1st, but fortunately for Leafs Nation, Matthews made it relatively easy and took less than market value for 4 more years.
When asked about playing in Toronto and being in the spotlight, Matthews told NHL.com exactly how he feels and made it clear that unless he, his family or his agent is speaking publicly, that everything we hear should be taken with a huge grain of salt.
It was my mindset to come back all along. I felt I've been pretty clear about that. I really enjoy playing here, and I love the core guys I've been playing with going back to my early days here. And the way the staff treats us is amazing. I've kind of repeated these things, they're all true, and it means a lot to me to be here. So, when I see stuff like some of the speculation this summer, I get a pretty good chuckle out of it because it's just nonsense, to be honest with you.
Look, if you didn't hear it from me, and you didn't hear it from my family, and you didn't hear it from my agent, then what are we talking about here? It's just like lies, just like people making stuff up."
Although it's probably very frustrating to deal with questions about your contract on a daily basis for years on end, Matthews does find some comedic relief when he hears the absurdity being spewed by people who don't necessarily have the best knowledge about the situation, the team, or the city:
I guess they have their answer now. Like I said after the season, it was always my intention to re-sign here. Again, I love it here, this is always where I've wanted to be, and I'm excited. We're just entering our prime."
Matthews' new contract kicks in next season and just by the way he has started the 2023-24 campaign, it already looks like a steal. 2 games, 2 hat-tricks, and he's already covered 15% of the goals he scored last season, with 80 games remaining. Fully healthy, contract done and with a new season upon us, Matthews is on track for a big year and that only bodes well for the Maple Leafs' chances in a wide open Atlantic Division and Eastern Conference.
| POLL | ||
OCTOBRE 16 | 105 ANSWERS Auston Matthews publicly calls out the broader NHL media over reports that he ever wanted to leave Toronto Were you surprised to hear that Matthews never once even contemplated leaving Toronto? | ||
| Yes, I was pleasantly surprised | 24 | 22.9 % |
| No, I knew he'd stay all along | 64 | 61 % |
| I had some doubts, however small | 17 | 16.2 % |
| List of polls | ||
