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Auston Matthews’ long-term future with the Toronto Maple Leafs will become one of the franchise’s biggest storylines soon.
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The Leafs captain is approaching the date on which he’ll be eligible to sign another contract extension with the franchise, and questions are starting to emerge about how Toronto will handle the situation.
Maple Leafs general manager John Chayka addressed it before the start of Matthews’ 11th NHL season and told NHL.com that Toronto has interest in extending their captain’s contract. That said, the organization has no intention of rushing the process, with plenty of time remaining to reach an agreement.
“We have, what, 10 months for that? And a lot can happen in 10 months (laughs),” Chayka said. “Let’s get through our first regular-season game.”
Chayka talks Maple Leafs GM role, Matthews
“Auston had never felt like we’re getting him to buy in. If anything, it was more like he’s getting us to buy in…Total commitment to doing whatever it takes to win.
Mike Zeisberger 1on1 with Chayka https://t.co/fcjta6gcCx
— Dave McCarthy (@DaveAMcCarthy) September 14, 2026
Matthews last signed an extension in Aug. 2023, inking a four-year, $53 million deal with the Maple Leafs. He will become eligible to sign a new contract next July 1 after having already spent the first 10 years of his career in Toronto.
Chayka stressed that the Maple Leafs’ relationship with Matthews and his agent, Judd Moldaver, remains strong.
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“We have a great relationship with Auston. We have a great relationship with Judd (Moldaver), his representative,” Chayka said. “I know (Auston’s) family a bit from being around Arizona, so there’s a lot of shared interest.”
Chayka also pushed back on the suggestion that the Maple Leafs’ new front office has needed to convince Matthews to embrace its vision. Instead, the new Leafs GM described the situation in the opposite terms, saying the captain was the one focused on what Toronto needs to win.
“Auston had never felt like we’re getting him to buy in,” Chayka said. “If anything, it was more like he’s getting us to buy in and what’s the right thing for the Toronto Maple Leafs.”
Matthews has appeared in 689 regular-season games for the Maple Leafs, scoring 780 points and winning three Maurice Richard Trophy awards as the NHL’s top goalscorer. He’s also played in 68 postseason contests, scoring 59 points, but failing to advance past the second round of the playoffs.
Toronto will start the 2026 season against the Montreal Canadiens on Sept. 29 at 7 p.m. ET.
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This story was originally published September 14, 2026 at 4:45 AM.