Auston Matthews' status with Toronto is definitely causing debate. He seems unwilling to commit long-term, a stance that has upset fans.
On a hockey forum, supporters are urging Brad Treliving and the Maple Leafs to part ways with their former first overall pick.
The Contentious Issue
A significant group of Leafs enthusiasts has come together with a single purpose - to create a team that is true to the blue and white.
Auston Matthews, originating from Arizona, doesn't fit this mould, as he reportedly refuses to sign a long-term contract.
Matthews is the player to deal.
Never earned anything gets by on talent.
Never earned anything gets by on talent.
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If we decide to blow it up and restart -- be it sooner or later -- the first thing we need to do is begin building around players who absolutely love being Toronto Maple Leafs. And I'm talking legit commitment and desire to be fabrics of this organization long-term, not just love the big paydays and all the celebrity fanfare that comes with it.
As far as I'm concerned, the two players who truly love the Leafs more than the rest are Rielly and Nylander -- it's just a feeling. Matthews is an American kid who loves the huge money, short-term deals, and all the hoopla, but he'd love that anywhere, and likely more in places with less pressure. Marner is a tricky one, but I think he uses the "I'm from here" narrative to leverage the Leafs into paying him more. Same with Tavares. He wanted to come home so bad, yet he only did it for the 2nd largest cap hit in the NHL when he knew darn well what we were building and that his contract would "set the tone" for the young stars moving forward.
The next time around, I want players who bleed blue. Players who love this club, city, and history, the way Wendel, Dougie, and Mats did. Players who want to commit and spend their careers here without pulling their teeth. Players who realize how lucky they are to have the chance to represent the Toronto Maple Leafs. Players who are willing to put it all on their line for fair compensation, yet are willing to give as much as they take. It's been a one-way street for our superstars around here.
As far as I'm concerned, the two players who truly love the Leafs more than the rest are Rielly and Nylander -- it's just a feeling. Matthews is an American kid who loves the huge money, short-term deals, and all the hoopla, but he'd love that anywhere, and likely more in places with less pressure. Marner is a tricky one, but I think he uses the "I'm from here" narrative to leverage the Leafs into paying him more. Same with Tavares. He wanted to come home so bad, yet he only did it for the 2nd largest cap hit in the NHL when he knew darn well what we were building and that his contract would "set the tone" for the young stars moving forward.
The next time around, I want players who bleed blue. Players who love this club, city, and history, the way Wendel, Dougie, and Mats did. Players who want to commit and spend their careers here without pulling their teeth. Players who realize how lucky they are to have the chance to represent the Toronto Maple Leafs. Players who are willing to put it all on their line for fair compensation, yet are willing to give as much as they take. It's been a one-way street for our superstars around here.
Trading Auston Matthews would be a massive way for Treliving to start his tenure in Toronto. The only question is - can he actually pull off a deal that's worthwhile?
As Read on HockeyPatrol - Fans Demanding the Leafs Move on From Auston Matthews
| POLL | ||
5 AOUT | 184 ANSWERS Fans Demand the Maple Leafs Trade Auston Matthews Do you think the Maple Leafs should trade Auston Matthews? | ||
| Yes | 86 | 46.7 % |
| No | 98 | 53.3 % |
| LIST OF POLLS | ||
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