John Chayka Provides Major Auston Matthews Update at NHL Draft Combine

Mandatory Credit: Bob Frid-Imagn Images | Bob Frid-Imagn Images

The NHL Draft Combine is officially well underway, and Toronto Maple Leafs general manager John Chayka made an appearance in front of the media on Friday.

John Chayka had a lot to discuss regarding the Maple Leafs' future, especially with the 2026 NHL Draft first overall pick being held in Buffalo on June 26th; however, a topic of discussion was 2016 first overall pick Auston Matthews and his future with the Maple Leafs organization.

John Chayka speaks on his conversations with Auston Matthews

"We’ve had several conversations with him & his representatives & what I saw was a happy captain. Someone who’s got a lot of pride to be the captain of the Leafs. Someone who wants to win in Toronto, which aligns with how we’re thinking about it." Chayka said on Friday.

Since the offseason has begun, there have been a lot of different narratives surrounding the Maple Leafs' captain. Many believed Matthews was not happy with the state of the organization and wasn't able to commit to the Maple Leafs heading into next season; however, this does not seem to be the case. Matthews may no longer be the player Maple Leafs fans are accustomed to, but he still plays a major role in the Maple Leafs lineup and can take over games at any point.

Auston Matthews on his future with the Maple Leafs

"I can't predict the future," Matthews said in April. "There are steps that have to take place. They have to hire new leadership and management. I don't know what's going to happen. I think that's kind of ... like I said, I can't really predict the future."

The Maple Leafs still have major changes to make within the organization as they are currently in search of their next head coach, while they are looking to return to contention during the 2026-27 season. Matthews has two seasons remaining on his contract at $13.25 million per season, before we truly see if Matthews wants to be a Toronto Maple Leaf.