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The Toronto Maple Leafs are searching for a new NHL head coach, but franchise star Auston Matthews does not appear to have major control over the process.
Speaking on “The Chris Johnston Show,” NHL insider Chris Johnston said Matthews is not directly involved in choosing the next coach despite being the face of the organization.
“My sense is he doesn’t have a direct say,” Johnston said. “But he should. But I’m sure they will have an idea of the kind of things he’s hoping to see from the team.”
MORE: Maple Leafs staring at rebuild if Auston Matthews wants out
That comment highlights the unusual position Toronto finds itself in after a disastrous 2025-26 season. The Leafs collapsed from a 108-point playoff team to a 78-point finish and missed the postseason for the first time in a decade. The fallout triggered a complete organizational reset, including the firing of coach Craig Berube and the hiring of former Arizona Coyotes executive John Chayka as general manager.
Toronto Maple Leafs center Auston Matthews (34) looks on waring a ‘C’. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images
Johnston also revealed that Matthews still has not held a major offseason meeting with Chayka and the new front office.
“What I can tell you is they still haven’t had the meeting with John Chayka and Matthews in Arizona,” Johnston said. “It’s not a sign of anything other than the Leafs have a whole lot going on with their new front office.”
Matthews is recovering from knee surgery after suffering a Grade 3 MCL tear late in the season. He is expected to be healthy for training camp, but his future in Toronto remains less certain than the organization would prefer.
“His intention is to see how the offseason plays out and then make a call on his future,” Johnston explained. “Now, I think it’s more likely than not for sure that he’s back with the Leafs… [However] he’s still not prepared right now to tell them unequivocally he’s going to be back.”
MORE: Auston Matthews and Maple Leafs face long-term uncertainty
That matters because Matthews has only two years remaining on his contract. For a franchise built entirely around him for nearly a decade, uncertainty at the top changes everything.
Toronto’s next coaching decision will say a lot about the direction of the team. The Leafs no longer have the same offensive margin for error after Mitch Marner’s departure and Matthews’ injury-shortened season.
The team finished near the bottom of the league defensively, allowed the most shots against in the NHL, and saw its power play collapse. Those problems go beyond motivation or locker-room chemistry. Toronto needs structure, defensive support, and a clearer identity.
After winning the 2026 NHL Draft lottery, things have changed for the Leafs. Johnston said, “You can start to look at that as the Leafs do have some options, I think, to make trades that they wouldn’t have been able to make if they didn’t have the number one overall pick.”
MORE: Maple Leafs’ potential No. 1 Pick Gavin McKenna has elite work ethic
Toronto Maple Leafs forward Auston Matthews (34), defenseman Morgan Rielly (44), forward William Nylander (88), and forward John Tavares (91) huddle before a face-off against the Tampa Bay Lightning during the second period at Benchmark International Arena. Mandatory Credit: Morgan Tencza-Imagn Images
Johnston noted that Matthews wants proof that the organization can compete again quickly.
“He’s not making the call 100% until July,” Johnston said. “I don’t think that’s changed at all. At some point in time, he’s going to sit down with management and have a deeper discussion about everything inside the organization…
“I think these are normal course business things. But what isn’t normal course is Matthews has two years left on his deal, and he wants to win, and he wants to be sure the Leafs are in a position to get back to being a more competitive team.”
That is why this coaching search matters beyond the bench itself. The Leafs are not just hiring a coach. They are trying to convince Matthews that the franchise still has a plan.
Continue reading...
Speaking on “The Chris Johnston Show,” NHL insider Chris Johnston said Matthews is not directly involved in choosing the next coach despite being the face of the organization.
“My sense is he doesn’t have a direct say,” Johnston said. “But he should. But I’m sure they will have an idea of the kind of things he’s hoping to see from the team.”
MORE: Maple Leafs staring at rebuild if Auston Matthews wants out
That comment highlights the unusual position Toronto finds itself in after a disastrous 2025-26 season. The Leafs collapsed from a 108-point playoff team to a 78-point finish and missed the postseason for the first time in a decade. The fallout triggered a complete organizational reset, including the firing of coach Craig Berube and the hiring of former Arizona Coyotes executive John Chayka as general manager.
Auston Matthews is still waiting on Maple Leafs’ direction
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Toronto Maple Leafs center Auston Matthews (34) looks on waring a ‘C’. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images
Johnston also revealed that Matthews still has not held a major offseason meeting with Chayka and the new front office.
“What I can tell you is they still haven’t had the meeting with John Chayka and Matthews in Arizona,” Johnston said. “It’s not a sign of anything other than the Leafs have a whole lot going on with their new front office.”
Matthews is recovering from knee surgery after suffering a Grade 3 MCL tear late in the season. He is expected to be healthy for training camp, but his future in Toronto remains less certain than the organization would prefer.
“His intention is to see how the offseason plays out and then make a call on his future,” Johnston explained. “Now, I think it’s more likely than not for sure that he’s back with the Leafs… [However] he’s still not prepared right now to tell them unequivocally he’s going to be back.”
MORE: Auston Matthews and Maple Leafs face long-term uncertainty
That matters because Matthews has only two years remaining on his contract. For a franchise built entirely around him for nearly a decade, uncertainty at the top changes everything.
Coaching hire could shape the next Leafs era
Toronto’s next coaching decision will say a lot about the direction of the team. The Leafs no longer have the same offensive margin for error after Mitch Marner’s departure and Matthews’ injury-shortened season.
The team finished near the bottom of the league defensively, allowed the most shots against in the NHL, and saw its power play collapse. Those problems go beyond motivation or locker-room chemistry. Toronto needs structure, defensive support, and a clearer identity.
After winning the 2026 NHL Draft lottery, things have changed for the Leafs. Johnston said, “You can start to look at that as the Leafs do have some options, I think, to make trades that they wouldn’t have been able to make if they didn’t have the number one overall pick.”
MORE: Maple Leafs’ potential No. 1 Pick Gavin McKenna has elite work ethic
Matthews wants proof before committing to Maple Leafs
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Toronto Maple Leafs forward Auston Matthews (34), defenseman Morgan Rielly (44), forward William Nylander (88), and forward John Tavares (91) huddle before a face-off against the Tampa Bay Lightning during the second period at Benchmark International Arena. Mandatory Credit: Morgan Tencza-Imagn Images
Johnston noted that Matthews wants proof that the organization can compete again quickly.
“He’s not making the call 100% until July,” Johnston said. “I don’t think that’s changed at all. At some point in time, he’s going to sit down with management and have a deeper discussion about everything inside the organization…
“I think these are normal course business things. But what isn’t normal course is Matthews has two years left on his deal, and he wants to win, and he wants to be sure the Leafs are in a position to get back to being a more competitive team.”
That is why this coaching search matters beyond the bench itself. The Leafs are not just hiring a coach. They are trying to convince Matthews that the franchise still has a plan.
Continue reading...
