Nick Kypreos floats disastrous scenario for Maple Leafs linked to Auston Matthews' future in Toronto

Auston Matthews was drafted by the Toronto Maple Leafs with the No. 1 pick in 2016. Before his entry-level contract expired in 2019, the Leafs signed their franchise superstar to a five-year, $58.2 million contract extension, which expired in 2024. Before entering the final year of that contract, Matthews inked his second extension with Toronto — a four-year, $53 million deal, which is set to expire at the end of the 2027-28 season (details via puckpedia).

Matthews’ time in Toronto is ticking, with just three years remaining on his contract, which took effect at the start of the 2024-25 season.

Former Maple Leafs player, current radio host and columnist Nick Kypreos floated a disastrous scenario for Toronto — Matthews’ shocking exit.

In his column for the Toronto Star published Thursday, Kypreos questioned Matthews’ intent behind signing a short four-year extension instead of a long-term eight-year deal.

"Is he keeping his options open? If next season doesn’t trend in the right direction for the captain and his team, will he want stick around?" Kypreos wrote.

Kypreos opined that Matthews will be heavily criticized by demanding Toronto fans and media if he and the Maple Leafs continue to fall short of Stanley Cup glory in the coming years.

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Ex-Maple Leafs coach Lane Lambert impressed with Auston Matthews' defensive ability

The Maple Leafs hired Lane Lambert as an associate coach during Craig Berube’s first season as head coach in 2024-25. After helping Toronto become the No. 1 team in the Atlantic Division and reach a seven-game second-round playoff series against the Florida Panthers, Lambert left Toronto after being hired as head coach of the Seattle Kraken.

During his short stint in Toronto, Lambert worked closely with Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews. In an interview with TSN’s Mark Masters, Lambert praised many of Matthews’ qualities.

"There's a lot of things that impressed me about him, but I was most impressed with his team-first attitude and the fact that he plays a 200-foot game," Lambert said.

The now-Kraken head coach also claimed Matthews has been snubbed in consideration for his defensive abilities, which, paired with his outstanding offensive skills, elevate his overall game.

"I think he unfairly doesn't get considered in certain defensive categories or defensive awards ... I think as we go forward here, he's going to get more and more recognition," Lambert added.