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1 hour ago
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Auston Matthews isn't in a position to change any narratives right now.
A season-ending injury has left the Toronto Maple Leafs' captain out of the actual spotlight, which means that only rumors can headline the rest of this disappointing campaign.
And the rumors are out there, for sure, even if most of it is just speculation.
Could Matthews ask for a trade? Would the Maple Leafs try to trade him?
Is there a path to an extended contract with just two years remaining on the current pact?
How does Toronto make sure a season like this one doesn't happen again?
In his newest 32 Thoughts column, Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman uses just one paragraph to sum up the latest feelings on Matthews. And his main message is really just not to get too far ahead of yourself when it comes to his outlook.
"I wouldn’t rush to assume anything about Auston Matthews’ intentions," Friedman writes. "There is much to play out before we get a true understanding of how he feels. While there are changes coming in Toronto, we don’t yet know what they will be."
MORE: Is a Connor McDavid-Auston Matthews trade feasible?
That last sentence seems to be the correct point. The Maple Leafs could shake everything up after this season as it pertains to head coach Craig Berube and GM Brad Treliving.
If changes come at those key spots, it'll be incredibly important to see how Matthews feels about them.
For the captain, it's likely all about whether he thinks the future path is on track or not.
There's still plenty to be decided, and yes, Matthews is something still hovering out there. But Friedman warns not to assume, and that's a fair point, too.
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