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Auston Matthews Reportedly Not Going To Re-Sign With Leafs Until After July 1st

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S. Harper
May 22, 2023 (9:35 PM)

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The Toronto Maple Leafs are undergoing significant changes following another disappointing playoff run, cut short by the Florida Panthers. The first change occurred with the departure of Kyle Dubas, the architect of the Maple Leafs, who will not be returning as the general manager.

However, the situation may worsen as hockey insider Elliotte Friedman recently revealed that Auston Matthews, a key player for the Leafs, will delay making a decision about his future with the team until after July 1st.

Matthews Not Re-signing?

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Friedman stated,

"According to my sources, it is unlikely that Auston Matthews will sign with the Toronto Maple Leafs before July 1st. This puts the Leafs in a position where they will have to make significant decisions."

This news is concerning for Maple Leafs fans since Matthews is entering the final year of his current contract and will become an unrestricted free agent next summer. This means that Matthews could follow the path of John Tavares or Johnny Gaudreau, leaving as a free agent without the Leafs receiving any compensation for their franchise superstar.

"The Maple Leafs must absolutely avoid Matthews' no-movement clause. Granting him full control would strip the Leafs of their decision-making power. Under no circumstances should the Leafs find themselves in this situation."

Does This Mean A Auston Matthews Trade?

As a Maple Leafs fan, losing Matthews without receiving anything in return would be catastrophic for the team. If there is any uncertainty about Matthews' commitment to signing or already having signed, the best course of action for the Leafs would be to explore trade options.

Credit:Habs Fanatics

Previously on Daily Hockey Dose

Dubas' Dismissal Exposed: Friedman Exposes Tension with Shanahan

Maple Leafs' Core Four Signals a Clear Path Forward, According to Insider

Friedman Reports That Former Eastern Conference GM Favored to Land the Job in Toronto

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22 MAI \| 601 ANSWERS Auston Matthews Reportedly Not Going To Re-Sign With Leafs Until After July 1st Will Auston Matthews Re-Sign With Toronto Or Leaving A Free Agent?
Re-signing	240	39.9 %
Leaving	361	60.1 %
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