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Auston Matthews, Toronto Maple Leafs (Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images)

Auston Matthews’ Transparency Quieting Maple Leafs Rumors

Originally posted on The Hockey Writers
By Andrew Forbes | Last updated Feb 3, 2026 12:35 PM ET

With word swirling that the Toronto Maple Leafs are heading into a re-tooling trade deadline in which speculation suggests they are ready to sell on some of their assets, one of the biggest question marks hovered over captain, Auston Matthews.

How would he feel about the re-tooling? Would he want out? Where does his loyalty lie, now that the Maple Leafs might not be a playoff team? The noise seems to be endless. After all, it is Toronto.

But the 28-year-old has quickly put a lot of that noise to rest by opening up about his discussions with the team. Transparency that Elliotte Friedman shared The Fan Hockey Show with Matt Marchese and Mike Futa this past week.

Matthews Reaffirming Interest in Staying

In the appearance on the show, Friedman noted that the Maple Leafs and Matthews had talked about the direction of the team, with the Maple Leafs’ brass asking their star if anything had changed from his perspective.

“There was a conversation this week between the Maple Leafs and Matthews’ representation. And [the Maple Leafs] just asked, ‘Is anything here different?'” Friedman shared.

The answer was pretty simple. No – his commitment is still to the team.

But Friedman also noted that it was important for the team to reach out to Matthews and his representation. Knowing that they are looking to make some moves involving roster players. As he notes, the Maple Leafs may not be looking to make foundational changes, but gain assets to re-tool on the go.

Matthews Body Language Telling the Story

Futa also noted something that indicates Matthews commitment to the team moving forward. While some of his efforts early in the season might’ve been brought into question, as of late, Matthews’ body language has changed.

“The one thing I will give Matthews credit for is, in spite of where the team’s at, his body language has been tremendous,” noted Futa on his show. “Even in Vancouver there, his care factor looks up there. Like his response on the goal there, even when they lost. He seemed to be engaged in the Vancouver game. So, as difficult as it may seem, and they obviously have some games left on this road trip, he’s kept his M.O. of being positive – particularly in front of the cameras – is pretty good.”

That positive attitude has translated on the ice as well – even if in losing efforts. In his last 19 games, Matthews has 12 goals and 24 points – including becoming the franchise leader in goals, passing Mats Sundin.

Matthews’ Transparency Reduces the Deadline Storylines

Friedman also noted that he’s not surprised that this agreement between the Matthews camp and the Maple Leafs found its way to him, suggesting that the transparency was exactly what both sides wanted.

Auston Matthews, Toronto Maple Leafs (Jess Starr/The Hockey Writers)

After all, with the attention the Maple Leafs get on a regular basis, this storyline could’ve quickly flourished into a lot more – even more so after Mitch Marner left in the offseason. But putting it to rest before it has a chance to explode was essential to the team and the player heading into the deadline.

This way, Matthews can continue to focus on his on-ice play, while the Maple Leafs can focus on the moves they need or want to make rather than the moves that might be suggestive from outside the organization.

Fewer storylines and less distraction can only benefit a team that is still looking to make something of what’s left in the 2025-26 season.