Matthews Uncertain on Long-Term Future with Maple Leafs

Toronto Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews expressed uncertainty about his long-term future with the team during end-of-season interviews on April 16, 2026, following a disappointing campaign that ended with the franchise missing the playoffs for the first time in nine years.

The 28-year-old center, who has two years remaining on his contract through the 2027-28 season, spoke at the team's practice facility in Toronto for the first time since undergoing season-ending surgery for a Grade 3 medial collateral ligament tear in his left knee. The injury occurred on March 12 during a game against the Anaheim Ducks, when Ducks defenseman Radko Gudas delivered a knee-on-knee hit that resulted in a five-game suspension for Gudas. Matthews, who had 27 goals and 26 assists in 60 games, said he recently transitioned off crutches and expects to be ready for training camp next season. "I didn't think I'd be standing here today," he told reporters, adding that recovery has progressed well since the March 19 procedure.

The Maple Leafs finished the season with a 32-36-14 record and 78 points, placing last in the Atlantic Division and fifth-worst in the NHL overall. This marked a stark decline...