Auston Matthews is safe, but latest reports indicate the rest of the Maple Leafs roster isn’t originally appeared on The Sporting News.
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Despite plenty of rumors surrounding Auston Matthews’ future with the Toronto Maple Leafs, things are starting to become clearer.
Recent reports indicate that Matthews is happy in Toronto and determined to help the Maple Leafs win. Any previous conflicting reports concerned Matthews’ desire for clarity about what’s to come. Whether it’s roster construction or the coaching staff.
To further clarify the situation, Chris Johnston recently revealed that GM John Chayka is willing to listen to offers about anyone but Matthews.
That’s a major statement considering the Leafs roster William Nylander, John Tavares, Matthew Knies, and Easton Cowan. So what does that mean for the Leafs?
If they did trade Nylander, that would indicate they are actively trying to get younger, suggesting they are attempting to rebuild or retool rather than try to be competitive next season. But a deal for Nylander would have to blow away Chayka and the Leafs front office. Nylander is under plenty of team control, and with the rising salary cap, his $11.5 million cap hit will look very good.
Nylander also has a full no-move clause, which means he would have to agree to any trade.
MORE: Rebuild Still Possible For Maple Leafs Despite Matthews’ Untouchable Report
But if the Leafs went an alternate route and moved Cowan or Knies, that would suggest they are trying to return to the playoffs next season and be competitive in the pursuit of the Stanley Cup.
Knies is still just 23 years old, while Cowan recently turned 21. They are positioned to be the pillars of this Leafs team going forward, alongside whoever they select with the first overall pick.
Chayka spoke glowingly about Knies previously, and although it feels like he would rather have him on the team than not, it’s still something to consider if the right offer presents itself.
MORE: Maple Leafs might be heading toward unthinkable Easton Cowan decision
So truly, what does this report mean? It seems that this is Chayka’s way of keeping his options open and making multiple plans. There’s no reason to force the matter.
The Leafs still need to find a head coach, and that, too, could determine what direction they are heading in. Their latest failures left the team too slow, and their defensive game collapsed. Players were misprofiled, highlighted by Craig Berube’s use of Matthews.
While there isn’t a positive history to indicate the Maple Leafs will turn things around and become forces to be reckoned with in the post-season, there’s an avenue to improve the roster for next season.
If it does blow up, he doesn’t have to worry about losing his best players for free. Matthews, Nylander, Tavares, Knies, and Cowan are all under team control, so if push comes to shove, he can still seek trade returns rather than losing them for free.
Plenty of questions need answers this off-season, but Chayka is smart to keep his options open.
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