Auston Matthews' role in Maple Leafs' upcoming rebuild revealed

The Auston Matthews speculation has included a little bit of everything.

A nightmare season for the Toronto Maple Leafs has put the captain into contract and trade rumors of every shape and size.

The reality, though? It's a little simpler.

The Leafs are going to try and re-tool, rather than rebuild. They want to win games in a major way in 2026-27.

And as for Matthews -- he'll be at the heart of it.

NHL insider David Pagnotta spoke with Daily Faceoff about what's coming next for Matthews, who has two years remaining on his current contract.

It sounds like Matthews is going to be trusted to help make some decisions when the offseason arrives.

"It’s a matter of having that discussion with the captain, Auston Matthews, which will happen after the season," Pagnotta said, via Daily Faceoff. "Keith Pelley said he exchanged text messages with Matthews on Tuesday morning, but then later on admitted that he will have a full conversation with the captain, presumably after the season, and that’s going to dictate as well what they’re going to do."

That's one of those big decisions that franchises often have to make with their stars and franchise legends. Do they get to help make personnel decisions?

They obviously can't do everything, but it also probably has value to keep an important part of the operation feel included.

Keep an eye on what the Maple Leafs do this summer. Matthews might have his hands on what happens.

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