What Auston Matthews said about his Toronto Maple Leafs future

One of the biggest questions heading into Toronto Maple Leafs media day concerned captain Auston Matthews and his future with the team.

After missing the playoffs for the first time in nine seasons, Matthews knew changes had to be made over the offseason, and he couldn't predict what the future had in store for him in Toronto with two years remaining on his contract.

The 29-year-old met with the media on Wednesday ahead of Maple Leafs training camp to address the uncertainty surrounding his future with the team.

"My intent was always to be here," Matthews told reporters.

"With the way things finished last year — the GM being fired before the season was over — there was obviously a lot of change coming. You never really know who is coming in, what their plan is, or what they think."

"My intent was always to be here."

Auston Matthews discusses his status with the Maple Leafs amid the organizational changes this past offseason. pic.twitter.com/QCMLUzrFAh

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Matthews is currently entering the second-to-last year of his four-year, $53 million extension with Toronto and is eligible to become a free agent following the 2027-28 season.

He's coming off his worst season statistically as a Maple Leaf. Matthews recorded 53 points in 60 games, making it the only season in his 10-year NHL career that he failed to record more than a point per game. The production was a far cry from the 69 goals and 107 points Matthews put up in 2023-24.

The Maple Leafs captain went on to say that he "really likes" the moves new general manager John Chayka has made over the summer.

Chayka has brought in one of the top-scoring defencemen in the league, Darren Raddysh; signed an experienced veteran goaltender, Sergei Bobrovsky; and even brought in a former U.S. National Development Program teammate and friend of Matthews, Jack Roslovic, to change the vibe around the team.

Matthews is entering the second-to-last year of his four-year extension with the Toronto Maple Leafs. (John E. Sokolowski/Imagn Images)

"I think [Chayka] has made some great changes and brought in some great people, players, and outside hires," Matthews said.

"We have a new group of guys and plenty of change, which was inevitable. The rink has that energy and excitement again."