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Could the ghost of Gaudreau change approach to Matthews extension?

Toronto Maple Leafs forward Auston Matthews. John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports

Could the ghost of Johnny Gaudreau change approach to Auston Matthews extension?

Originally posted on Daily Faceoff | By Anthony Trudeau | Last updated 5/31/23

The Toronto Maple Leafs made things official with new GM Brad Treliving on Wednesday as the former Calgary Flames executive replaced Kyle Dubas.

On Wednesday’s edition of Daily Faceoff Live, hosts Colby Cohen agreed that Treliving would give Sheldon Keefe another shot on Toronto’s bench. Cohen, however, thought that the Johnny Gaudreau saga could inform Treliving’s stance on a certain superstar extension.

Frank Seravalli: What is the No. 1 priority on the Toronto Maple Leafs’ checklist. I’m going to make a bold, way-too-early prediction and say Sheldon Keefe comes back as Toronto Maple Leafs’ head coach and all four pieces of the “Core Four” come back. What do you think?

Colby Cohen: I don’t agree with you Frank. I do think Sheldon Keefe comes back as coach, and I think that helps your bold prediction that the "Core Four" comes back.

I think these players all really like playing for Sheldon Keefe. When we have seen other organizations move on from coaches in the recent history of the league, a lot of it had to do with player exit meetings.

A lot of it had to do with what the star players told their manager, told the president of hockey ops, and said to the media about their coach. It’s not just about hockey. That has to go across all the major sports, Frank.

I agree with you that Keefe is going to get the opportunity to come back; I don’t think Treliving is a knee jerk type of guy, he seems to always take a patient, thorough approach.

Frank Seravalli: How many better coaches are actually out there if you were to fire Sheldon Keefe? Obviously the Leafs have struggled in the playoffs, but you look at Keefe’s record in the regular season, and how does Toronto know they do not already have the best available candidate?

Colby Cohen: I do think, Frank, that he’s going to be quicker to pull the trigger on Auston Matthews because of what he went with being unable to sign Johnny Gaudreau.

Frank Seravalli: Pulling the trigger in what way?

Colby Cohen: He’s going to get out in front of the Matthews camp and try to work out an extension immediately, and if they feel like they are too far away on that extension, I think he moves more quickly to plan B and what the trade market is this summer to move on from Auston Matthews.

You look at the Johnny Gaudreau situation, and he is not on the same level as Matthews, but Gaudreau is still a star that Treliving lost for nothing. Toronto is a different place than Calgary; players want to play in Toronto so it’s not apples to apples, but I think the clock will start immediately.

Treliving will not take a very patient approach based on what he got burned by in Calgary. That’s what I mean when I say he will pull the trigger one way or the other.

You can watch the entire episode here…