Maple Leafs staring at rebuild if Auston Matthews wants out
The Toronto Maple Leafs are no longer dealing with normal NHL offseason questions. The conversation around the franchise has shifted toward something far more serious: what happens if Auston Matthews decides he no longer believes this organization can win? That possibility gained more traction after comments from former NHLer Jay Rosehill on Leafs Morning Take.
“The writing is on the wall here that Matthews might not want back,” Rosehill said. “… I think that a rebuild is inevitable. ” The statement sounds dramatic, but the Leafs created this uncertainty themselves after a disastrous 2025-26 season.
Toronto finished 32-36-14, missed the playoffs for the first time in a decade, and collapsed to the bottom of the Atlantic Division. The numbers were ugly across the board. The Leafs allowed 299 goals, posted a minus-46 differential, and looked structurally broken for long stretches.
MORE: Auston Matthews and Maple Leafs face long-term uncertainty Matthews’ own season reflected the chaos. Playing without longtime running mate Mitch Marner after Marner’s departure, Matthews struggled through injuries and inconsistency. He finished with 27 goals and 53 points in 60 games before a Grade 3 MCL tear ended his year in March.
The larger concern is not only Matthews’ production decline. It is whether he trusts the direction of the franchise anymore. Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment CEO Keith Pelley holds a team jersey between Toronto Maple Leafs general manager John Chayka (right) and senior executive advisor Mats Sundin during an introductory news conference at Real Sports Bar and Grill.