Major Auston Matthews departure claim emerges ahead of Maple Leafs season

The Toronto Maple Leafs have not dropped a single puck on their 2026-27 campaign yet, and already the conversation swirling around their captain feels heavier than usual.

Auston Matthews, the face of the franchise since he was drafted first overall a decade ago, is entering a season that many around the league are calling a referendum on his long term future in blue and white.

That sentiment picked up steam this week after Matt Larkin appeared on the ON Everyday Podcast to break down where things stand for Matthews and the organization.

Larkin did not mince words, suggesting that if Toronto fails to reach the postseason once again, the writing could be on the wall for the final year of the star centre's deal, which runs through 2027-28.

Matthews is still under contract for two more seasons at a cap hit of $13.25 million dollars annually, and there has been no public indication from either side that a breakup is imminent.

Still, the Leafs have come up short in the playoffs year after year despite icing a roster built around elite offensive talent, and patience around the city is not infinite.

A missed postseason would only amplify questions about whether ownership commits to a full retool before Matthews reaches unrestricted free agency in 2028.

Losing Matthews would be a seismic shift for a franchise that has leaned on his scoring for the better part of ten seasons.

It would also force management to weigh a trade market that would likely be unlike anything the league has seen, given his age, production and remaining term.

For now, both sides appear committed to seeing this season through, but Larkin's comments are a reminder that the margin for error in Toronto has rarely felt thinner.

Fans will be watching every point in the standings a little closer knowing what might be riding on it.

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