TORONTO (Mar. 25) — The text message came out of nowhere; clearly in response to my recurrent theme about Auston Matthews, yet unsolicited. From a man with whom I haven’t been in recent contact, yet a good source of information throughout my media career. “Got something for you,” began the text. “Your favorite captain will be traded, this summer, to one of three western teams: Anaheim, Los Angeles or Utah. Mark it down. [Auston] won’t be back with the Leafs.” Nothing about this sent shockwaves through my system; nor should it yours. Matthews has been in steady decline the past two seasons and is currently recovering from surgery to repair the medial–collateral ligament (MCL) in his left knee — damaged, Mar. 12, by the greasy hit from Radko Gudas of the Ducks.
Matthews has become a polarizing figure in Leafs Nation for the disparity in his performance between the regular season and the playoffs. Quite simply, he’s never come through for the Maple Leafs in a key situation… during his captaincy, or before. If there is some “big–time” player in him — and I’d bet all kinds of money against it — that posture will not unfold here in Toronto. Otherwise, it already would have. Try, for a moment, to cast your emotional Leafdom aside. What remains, tangibly, for No. 34 in a Toronto uniform? And, why would he wish to continue his flagging career in our city? After a decade, there’s no way you can still be thinking “just be patient and give it time.” Matthews could play until he’s 96 years old and never make his mark, with the Leafs, in the Stanley Cup tournament. He knows it… and you know it. If a new management group asks him to waive the ironclad movement restriction in his contract — and he declines — it will result from “Muskoka–5” syndrome: the lack of desire and motivation to uproot himself and settle elsewhere. And, it will prove, beyond any doubt, that he lacks professional drive and determination. He will have, of course, the opportunity to write his own ticket after the 2027–28 season, when he’s slated for unrestricted free agency, but why would Auston subject himself to another couple of years in this untenable circumstance? I wrote the day after the Leafs were humiliated by Florida in Games 5 and 7 last May that there was nothing left for Matthews in this hockey city (https://bit.ly/3H3oOFF). That sentiment has strengthened ten–fold while he’s lollygagged through much of the current schedule, disappearing in key, emotional games. It shouldn’t require more than one resolute conversation to prompt his providing the Maple Leafs a list of cities to which he’d accept a trade. According to my source, Anaheim, L.A. and Salt Lake City would top that list.
Which makes all kinds of sense. Auston grew up in the southwestern United States. Were he to accept a trade, the Leafs would obviously prefer shipping him to a team in the Western Conference. And, honestly, why wouldn’t he relish setting up shop in California or Utah? Far removed from the fading, yet scorching spotlight of Toronto. And, with teams that will finish ahead of the Maple Leafs in the foreseeable future. If you think it’s going to be a “soft retool” here in the Big Smoke, you are dreaming in technicolor. Before the Leafs threaten to win the Atlantic Division once more, at least a half–decade of futility will ensue. Only when Matthews, Morgan Rielly and, possibly, William Nylander are playing elsewhere, will Toronto be in position to turn the corner. It will never happen with the current “leadership” group. That Brad Treliving chose to extend Matthews and Nylander can be traced to self–indictment… or following orders from “above”. Keith Pelley never mentioned how Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment would compensate for “jersey sales” were Matthews traded. Only that he was not coming aboard to enhance the purchasing pattern of Leafs Nation. Given we haven’t heard about the club from the celebrated CEO since October, it’s difficult to fathom what’s on his mind. Silence can be golden. But, six months of it while the Leafs are falling apart in the regular season for the first time since 2016? That’s a bit much, wouldn’t you agree?
Neither can we imagine Pelley offering company support for Treliving and Craig Berube. Not after this disaster of a season… even if somewhat overdue. Truth be known, it’s high time to blow this era to smithereens. A process that should have started after the 2021 playoff collapse against Montreal, were Brendan Shanahan not delusional, stubborn… or both. To be fair, Shanahan’s Leafs kept on putting up big team and individual numbers between October and April. For a reasonable amount of time, it was understandable that he’d stick with the protégés culled from the draft at the beginning of his “Shanaplan”. But, after humiliating Games 7 at Boston in 2018 and 2019 — then the head–spinning failure against Columbus in the 2020 COVID bubble — chances were clearly diminishing.
What should have been a final opportunity for the Core–4 was the 2021 opening playoff round against another inferior club, the Canadiens. Coughing up a 3–1 series lead and, for the first time, dropping Games 5 and 7 at home (there’d be a more–nauseating repeat four years later), was more than enough to spur Shanahan and Kyle Dubas into action. Instead, they doubled down on the key roster components. The ultimate, and predictable, result is the current season — a complete wash, with no guidance and direction on the ice or behind the bench. How could any person in the MLSE hierarchy tell Maple Leaf fans, with a straight face, that confidence remains in Matthews? Or, the current management group? And, is Pelley in some hot water for choosing to run the Leafs in the absence of a “hockey” person as president? If that was Keith’s call, it has backfired on the company. Quite spectacularly.
Now, it’s time to cut the cord. At last. To trade the scuffling captain and alter the composition of the Leafs. Which cannot occur with No. 34 wearing the jersey. Will it be a trade to any of the three western–USA teams predicted by my source? Or, elsewhere? Really, it doesn’t matter. Not when subtraction is the club’s best hope for addition. I agree: Auston Matthews will not be back in Toronto. There is nothing about hockey logic that should keep him in a Maple Leafs uniform. Moving on is essential… for the team and the player. Before training camp in September.
PITTSBURGH PENGUINS UNIFORM TRILOGY (1967–79)
No team in the National Hockey League altered its look more frequently, over the span of a decade, than the Pittsburgh Penguins. Joining the NHL as an expansion club for the 1967–68 season (with the California Seals, Los Angeles Kings, Minnesota North Stars, Philadelphia Flyers and St. Louis Blues), the Penguins maintained light–blue, dark–blue and white as colors for parts of 13 seasons before joining the other pro teams in Pittsburgh by turning to black and gold. In their first season, the club was forced into a jersey design before settling on a franchise logo. As such, the city name was splashed diagonally across the front of the home and road uniforms. In 1968–69, the Penguins logo debuted on the jersey. Here is a pictorial history of game–worn items during the first decade–plus of the Pittsburgh franchise, before switching to black and gold:
LEFT: 1967–68 PITTSBURGH PENGUINS (HOME) / RIGHT: 1967–68 PITTSBURGH PENGUINS (ROAD)
1968–69 PITTSBURGH PENGUINS (HOME)
LEFT: 1969–70 PITTSBURGH PENGUINS (ROAD) / RIGHT: 1972–73 PITTSBURGH PENGUINS (HOME)
LEFT: 1973–74 PITTSBURGH PENGUINS (HOME) / RIGHT: 1973–74 PITTSBURGH PENGUINS (ROAD)
LEFT: 1974–75 PITTSBURGH PENGUINS (HOME) / RIGHT: 1974–75 PITTSBURGH PENGUINS (ROAD)
ABOVE: 1975–76 PITTSBURGH PENGUINS (HOME) / BELOW: 1975–76 PITTSBURGH PENGUINS (ROAD)
LEFT: 1977–78 PITTSBURGH PENGUINS (HOME) / RIGHT: 1978–79 PITTSBURGH PENGUINS (ROAD)
EMAIL: HOWARDLBERGER@GMAIL.COM
The problem is the coddled 4 were coddled… end of story.
Howard-I postulate that next season could indeed be the last season that Matthews plays in Toronto- and this is not the last season we see Matthews in a Leaf uniform. While he has had an underwhelming season this year- my rationale is twofold- firstly – that his Leaf contract is coming to an end at the end of the 27/28 season- and he then walks from the Leafs with no return. He has huge present inherent trade value – maybe not the best ever for him after big injury and a modest season and decline in point production in last several years. Would it not be worth the Leafs bringing him back for part of next season- to “ show him off” as a player who has recovered from his knee injury and rehab- to optimize his value? Maybe- but maybe a team is already to take their chance already is waiting to dance with the Leafs- supporting your suggestion that Matthews has played his last game as a Leaf.
Secondly- Leafs need to find a team that has suitable trade stock and compatibility with where Matthews wants to play as he has a very well publicized no trade contract. Leafs need both draft capital and the team they trade with will need to provide a high draft choice or two plus an established decently performing player( likely a D man) or that has perhaps a forward with unrealized potential ( read high draft pick – playing presently- but not scoring to expectations). There is a finite number of teams that will fulfill these criteria for Leafs and Matthews.
Leafs management problems during the 10 year Matthews era can be traced back well over the last 7-9 years and not confined to the last 2 years. As you have noted many times Howard- when was the last time a “stud defenseman” was drafted and developed by the Leafs? Trading draft picks by the Leafs is not a new concept-and we have seen close to 15 to 20 years of trade deadline deals that have sent potential draft pick capital packing.
The Leafs are regrettably going to learn through underwhelming fan support ( empty seats, lowered demand on tickets) that there is a price they will pay for top of the line ticket prices and way less than top of the line team performance.
Howard what is the big deal about AM34 moving on with the press and fan base. large cap hit savings and can be replaced with a 30 goal man that wants to play in Toronto.also do not forget the rumor about his team USA gm wanting him might get a bidding war for his services.
I agree with you Howard. There is no path to cup-level competitiveness with the group of players on the roster, or in the minors etc. The players they have will not bring back enough in trades to fill their needs towards that goal, their draft capital is essentially nil, and there aren’t enough players in free agency that can make up the difference.
Icing that turd cake with the indisputable fact that Treliving is an overmatched career long failure as a GM and that the t-shirt salesman Pelley is NOT an experienced, skilled or knowledgeable sports executive.
Mathews choosing to leave is understandable, and the best outcome because the leaf management would be happy to continue to pay him whatever he wants to perpetuate the fantasy for as long as it’s profitable. The olympics showcased him in his correct deployment as an above-average, skilled player in a high level supporting role. Sure, slap a letter on his shirt because maybe he’s a (very) quiet leader off the ice, as opposed to just the most heralded yank hockey player to date.
Where my opinion diverges from yours is that I don’t believe that Pelley will make any changes. He prattled nonsensically about culture and lauded “Tre” and “Chief” as being connected and capable, assuming the jock-sniffing posture of most team adjacent executives.
I expect him to have a press conference telling us that this season was a mirage, and that he believes in his 2 cultural pillars to right the ship, that there is no need for another layer of (capable) hockey-related management between him and the GM, and that they’re increasing ticket prices in the name of fan engagement.
Oh what might have been. Management ruined the team and the fans blame only the best players. Matthews will go likely for little or nothing, just like Marner. But the fans don’t boo Morgan Rielly or Max Domi or John Tavares, and nothing will improve on the ice until they are gone. Nothing will improve with management until Brad Treliving and Brandon Pridham are gone. Keith Pelley has no business being President of MLSE because he’s knows nothing. It starts from the top. It comes from the top. With some good smart moves the Leafs could turn it around in the summer. But not with the idiot losers they have Mak ng the decisions. Go ahead. Trade Matthews. Did trading Marner help? Are fans happier now? Satisfied? Will you be more satisfied when they are worse with less hope for the future? Some say Leafs fans are smart. But they’re not. They are stupid losers. If fans want to help the Leafs, start chanting “Fire Treliving” at the games. Boo Morgan Rielly whenever he steps on the ice and touches the puck and has his name announced in the arena. That would be good. That would be an improvement.
Let’s face it. The Leafs had their shot. They drafted skilled players who simply lacked the qualities beyond skill that separates winners from losers. This ship has sailed. Time to move on.
Can’t say it better than this.
We have complete confidence with Matthews… what they don’t say out loud is “to sell you suckers more jerseys…”
Always loved the Burger report on the fan. The first move in the GM. Second move is the Coach. They have a value on Matthews. If they get a solid offer – they will consider. But it will be the new GM with that call.
Was that Burger King or Burger Shack?
Pelley doesn’t know what he’s doing and there’s no president so who hires a new GM and when?!
Right on, man.
Run the bum out of town!!!
Toronto media at its finest.
Generational scorers don’t grow on trees, they need to be drafted & developed. Oh wait, the media & fanbase don’t have any patience for that. That works out real well with TML not having picks because they were traded away because the media & fanbase decided the teams missing a O’Reilly/Foligno/Carlo/Laughton
Good luck T.O!!! You reap what you sow
Patience. After a decade. Oy yoy yoy.
My thoughts are almost identical. The only place I differ is whether Nylander must go this summer too. A few years ago, I would have agreed but he quit being disengaged, picked up defensively some and has even got somewhat more physical. He’s not a leader, let alone a good one though. The Leafs must replace Matthews with good Canadian leader(s) for this Canadian team. Rielly needs to go because he’s lousy defensively and it’s too late for him to start learning it now plus he just isn’t worth anywhere near his cap and it could all be used for better. He should have learned like Salming to be good defensively but has ridden off his offense his entire 13 years.