Auston Matthews expected to wait before deciding Maple Leafs future

In recent weeks, the Toronto Maple Leafs have made important decisions to clarify the franchise's direction heading into next season. One of the matters to be resolved is the future of Auston Matthews.

Matthews, 28, saw his season interrupted in a game in March against the Anaheim Ducks when he suffered an injury from a knee-on-knee collision with defenseman Radko Gudas. The hit ended in a grade three medial collateral ligament (MCL) tear.

While he recovers, there is much speculation about his future, especially given the unstable season Toronto went through, finishing last in the Atlantic Division with 78 points and a 32-36-14 record.

On Friday's episode of "32 Thoughts: The Podcast," Elliotte Friedman reported that Matthews is expected to begin more serious talks with the Maple Leafs once the franchise fully develops its expectations in terms of roster for next season. That includes plans for the draft and free agency.

According to Friedman, it is believed that Matthews could wait until around July before making any major decision about his future, to have greater certainty about the direction Toronto takes in the offseason.

Maple Leafs have 'not taken any position' on coach Craig Berube's future

New general manager John Chayka also has the task of defining the future of head coach Craig Berube. According to the cited reporter, despite recent speculation suggesting Berube may keep his job, Chayka and hockey operations advisor Mats Sundin have kept their options open and have not taken a position.

"I've had some conversations with some of the people who had interviews, and they said that the Leafs were very respectful to Berube, but they didn't really take a position on 'should he be back,' so Sundin and Chayka clearly have an opportunity here to decide what they want to do. It was clear that Pelley liked Berube, but he didn't say you have to keep him," Friedman said.