NHL Rumors: Maple Leafs and Matthews are committed, other talks have begun

The Toronto Maple Leafs and Auston Matthews have reaffirmed their commitment to each other

Sportsnet: Elliotte Friedman, when asked about the Toronto Maple Leafs and Auston Matthews, and whether their longstanding commitment to each other is still in a good place despite all the issues that have occurred in Toronto this year.

** NHLRumors.com transcription

“But you know, first of all, nothing has changed. There was a conversation this week between the Maple Leafs and Matthews’ representation, and they just asked, ‘Is something different here with the way this season has gone? Is there any reason for the Maple Leafs to believe that Matthews wouldn’t want to return for 26-27 or for Matthews to believe that the Maple Leafs wouldn’t want to return for 26-27?’

And both sides reaffirm their commitment to each other. So I know it’s a big question you just asked, but the answer is: no change. Matthews with them and the Maple Leafs with Matthews.

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The Toronto Maple Leafs have started talking to teams to see if there is interest in their players

Sportsnet: Elliotte Friedman, when asked about the Toronto Maple Leafs and what they could do before the NHL trade deadline.

** NHLRumors.com transcription

Ron MacLean: “That said, what is Toronto going to do here?

Friedman: “Now something’s different. Look, everyone sees the standings. Everyone sees that the Maple Leafs are in a position that they didn’t expect to be in. And one thing they’ve done this week is the process of calling the league and seeing what’s available to them. And getting into a position where they might have to consider some things that they didn’t expect to consider.”

The main thing I heard is that they didn’t discuss anything that anyone would call extraordinary, grand, or mind-boggling. I think some of the first conversations are about things you would expect.

But they’ve started conversations around the league about, ‘What do you think of our roster? What kind of things would you be interested in?’ But I don’t think anyone would consider it earth-shattering or anything at this point.

MacLean: “I asked you, Elliotte, Justin Bourne, and you discussed, Justin wrote about it, the fact that the Leafs traded for Brandon Carlo and gave Boston the top pick in the first round, but the top five were protected. In other words, if they fall to 28th or lower. They have a shot at the lottery. They have a shot at some of these top guys, says Jason Bukala, the top six guys are all very good. Could your franchise change. Do you think that? that is a factor here?

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Friedman: “I just think where they are is the biggest, the biggest. Like the rift in the East is opening up. And you, you know, the old Bill Parcells line, you are what your record says you are.”

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