Elliotte Friedman Reveals Details of Auston Matthews’ Meeting with Leafs Management

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Toronto Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews reportedly met with general manager John Chayka, along with senior executive advisor Mats Sundin, over Zoom last week, according to Sportsnet NHL insider Elliotte Friedman.

Reports from the beginning of the offseason suggested that Matthews was planning on having a meeting with the organization to understand the direction of the team before committing to the Maple Leafs long-term. For the time being, there is no reason for Maple Leafs fans to panic, as it seems the meeting between the three went well.

Elliotte Friedman reports the Maple Leafs and Matthews conversation

“I understand at some point last week, there was a lengthy Zoom call. Matthews, I believe John Chayka and Mats Sundin were on it as well. And it was their first in-depth conversation. They still have to hire a coach. They still have to make some moves. They’d like to accomplish a few things to change their roster next year. And it’s not like they’re asking for Matthews’ approval or anything like that, or he’s making decisions or anything like that. But I think it was the first time they could really have a conversation about what they’re thinking, and what their plan is, and what their vision is and how they’re going to do it. I heard it was a positive meeting. Right now, we’re all watching the smoke signals. Is there anything problematic here? Is there anything for Toronto to worry about how Matthews feels? I was told right now, things are in a good place.” Elliotte Friedman said on 32 Thoughts the Podcast.

An in-person meeting is unlikely to occur anytime soon, due to multiple complications, with the upcoming draft and coaching interviews beginning in the near future. With Matthews just having surgery and recovering in Arizona, there doesn't seem to be any sense in a rush for the two parties to meet in person. What stood out most and should make Maple Leafs fans happy is what Friedman reports in terms of the Maple Leafs front office not making any decisions to please their captain.

Maple Leafs are not asking for Matthews approval

"I just don’t think an in-person meeting is feasible right now. It's not like they're asking for Matthews' approval or anything like that, or he's making the decisions or anything like that, but I think it was the first time they could really have a conversation about what they're thinking and what their plan is and what their vision is and how they're going to do it," Friedman said.

The Scottsdale native is under contract with the Maple Leafs through the 2027-28 season, at a cap hit of $13.25 million per season. From the sound of the conversation, it doesn't sound like Auston Matthews wants to leave the Maple Leafs, while looking to be part of the team's future moving forward. After two down years, we can expect Matthews to regain his form during the 2026-27 campagin.