TORONTO (May 9) — Okay, I confess: There are no longer any reasonable answers. Not when the two sports columnists I most lean on to speak the truth are still awash in the Auston Matthews Mystique (whatever it is).

Damien Cox and Steve Simmons each posted a variation of “the Leafs have to make it enticing” for the biggest playoff choker in franchise history to stick around. Now, I’m completely flummoxed. If anyone in local media could see through this decade–long charade, I figured it would be Damien and Steve. I expect nothing from myopic fans of the Blue and White… or from the fan–boy personnel on Sportsnet and TSN (some, not all). They will never see the light. But, Cox and Simmons? Megaad! Now, where do I turn — other than to Cathal Kelly of the Globe and Mail, who seems capable of wrapping his head around what I have long believed was a full–blown necessity.

Help me understand. Matthews was taken first, overall, in 2016 and scored four goals in his National Hockey League debut. He has since scored 69 and 60 goals in a season and won the Hart Trophy as League MVP. He was tagged with that overused term “generational.” In some cases, comically, he still is. And, what do the Leafs, as a franchise, have to show for it? That’s right, Keith Pelley: tens of thousands of jerseys sold with the No. 34.

And, not one freakin’ thing else.

Why do knowledgeable people think he should remain a Leaf? When it’s crystal–clear that Matthews is unhappy in his current situation. As Cathal Kelly often writes, when was the last Auston smile unrelated to an American gold medal? Maybe the night of his 60th goal, three seasons back? Or, when John Tavares eliminated the Lightning in overtime of Game 6; also three years ago? What we’ve seen since then is the Matthews pout — in evidence during each press gathering, post–game; win or lose; after practices and morning skates. Given his flat demeanor, Auston should clean up at poker. But, he should no longer be captain of the Maple Leafs… or even part of the Maple Leafs. Look around. The fanbase is nearly finished with No. 34 and his decade of playoff disappearance.

A panel at The Hockey News ranked Auston the 27th–best player in the NHL. For $13.25 million a year?

These comments from the column Simmons wrote were typical:

John Chayka likely understands, better than most, that his new team needs to make it “enticing” for Matthews to leave. Not to stay. Neither should that be particularly onerous. All it will take, reasonably, is a relaxed discussion between Matthews, Chayka and Mats Sundin. Encouraging for fans of the Maple Leafs is that Chayka, to this point, hasn’t uttered a syllable of commitment toward, or support for, Matthews. Not even gratuitously (unless I’ve missed it). Whether or not that matches the GM’s opinion on the subject isn’t known. The fans are surely making themselves known, on chat forums. Many would like to see Chayka offload Matthews and William Nylander, which would all–but cleanse the Leafs of whatever culture is holding them back. In some circles, the duo is being called “MAGA–Mopey and MeLander” — a reference to Matthews visiting Donald Trump after the USA won Olympic gold… and to Nylander playing mostly for himself. Whether or not these are fair depictions is another matter.

What isn’t at all fudgy is how both men have routinely vanished when the Leafs needed them most.

Just close your eyes and remember the disgraceful no–shows, at home, in Games 5 and 7 of the Conference semifinal last spring against Florida. Which will long endure as the hallmarks of this lost Maple Leafs’ era.

Remember that Matthews hasn’t a single goal in six decisive–game situations. Not one.

Look at Mitch Marner thriving in the post–season for Vegas when he never could alongside Matthews.

You don’t think Auston, an American, is gazing warily westward at the reborn joy of his ex–linemate?

So, I ask again: In whose mind is it logical that the Maple Leafs “beg” Matthews to stay? For another season, let alone two? I do not recall a prominent Leafs player — never mind the captain — appearing so utterly miserable in his role. Certainly off the ice… and spilling into performance this past season; the Leafs finishing a shameful 28th in the NHL standings. The perennial playoff decamping is another matter, yet the only one that truly counts.

Go through the history of the franchise. List a prominent player or scorer — anyone — and show me where that person came close to withering in the playoffs ala Matthews. Not all won the Stanley Cup, but most expended maximum effort. Such as when Doug Gilmour erupted for a franchise–record 35 points in 21 games of the 1993 playoffs. Or, Darryl Sittler accruing 21 points in nine games of the 1977 Cup tournament. These were players with undeniable leadership qualities who wore the Toronto ‘C’ with pride. Who truly wanted to play for the Maple Leafs and help the club win. When it mattered. Even a partial list is long… and prolific (*Stanley Cup winner, here):

Charlie Conacher*, King Clancy* Syl Apps*, Red Horner*, Max Bentley*, Ted Kennedy*, George Armstrong*, Dave Keon*, Tim Horton*, Sittler, Lanny McDonald, Borje Salming, Ian Turnbull, Dave (Tiger) Williams, Rick Vaive, Steve Thomas (twice), Gilmour, Wendel Clark, Mats Sundin, Gary Roberts. Even such less–gifted performers as Tie Domi and the late Wade Belak. Be serious: In whose book, after the regular season, does Matthews belong with these names? It’s a rhetorical and ridiculous question. With evidence spaced over nearly a full decade.

And, all of it blatantly clear well before the Leafs, this week, won the draft lottery.

Honestly, what else need be said? Or, written?

DIGGING UP A FOOTBALL GEM

 
When closed (top–left), it looks as old as it truly is. Nearly as old as The Beatles.

Coming up on 55 years since I made this scrapbook — as a 12–year–old — of the 1971 Toronto Argonauts, among the most–iconic pro sports teams in our history. The year of the Leon McQuay fumble against Calgary in the Grey Cup. But, more than just that. When opened to the yellowed pages, much has been preserved. Newspaper stories and photos; scoring plays for each game.

From late in that memorable football season… with such boyhood legends as Joe Theismann, Bill Symons, Mel Profit, Jim Stillwagon, Dick Thornton, Marv Luster, Jim Corrigall and others. Coached by the “Lip” — Leo Cahill. From games played at the original CNE Stadium, with the 21,000–seat grandstand at the north end; a 12,000–seat bleacher on the south flank. Photographs showing The Flyer rollercoaster from the CNE in the background, such as at top–right, when Jim Henderson (72) caught a touchdown pass against Hamilton on Sep. 12, 1971.

I opened these pages carefully. Please enjoy this wonderful memory from my youth:

Photos (above and below) from the Labour Day game in Hamilton (Toronto Star). Bill Symons fumbling (above) and Jim Tomlin (23) making an interception in the arms of receiver Tommy–Joe Coffey (75). With fellow Argo defenders Peter Martin (77) and Dick Aldridge (31) in the vicinity.

Scoring plays from Labour Day in Hamilton (top–left) and from the return match, six days later, at CNE Stadium. With a photo (below) from that second game of Argo defensive stalwarts Ed Harrington (54), Aldridge (31) and Jim Corrigall (66, which he wore for only that season) harrassing Tiger–Cats quarterback Joe Zuger. Toronto lost, 30–17, then prevailed, 23–14, at home.

Photos (above) and Ken McKee’s Toronto Star game story (below) from what became a preview of the Grey Cup: Calgary at Toronto on Sep. 18, 1971, a Saturday night. The giant grandstand stage had been rolled on and off the grass sod at CNE stadium, rendering it loose and treacherous. McQuay, the great rookie runner from Tampa, sustained a knee injury in the slop. 

 

In 1971, the Argonauts and Tiger–Cats played a two–game series (one in each city), during which total points scored would determine the East qualifier for the Grey Cup. Argos easily prevailed, 23–8, at Ivor Wynne Stadium in Hamilton and took a 15–point margin into the second match. Photos, above and below, of quarterback Joe Theismann pitching the ball to McQuay (24) and celebrating an Argo touchdown. Scoring plays are at bottom–right.

 

Though Argonaut fans were spooked by the Eastern final collapses of 1961 and 1969, nothing of the sort happened in 1971. Toronto and Hamilton played to a 17–17 draw at CNE Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 20, putting the Argos into the Grey Cup for the first time in 19 years by a final margin of 40–25. Kicker Ivan MacMillan (12, above) always jumped for joy with a made convert or field goal. Theismann (below) jumped into the arms of teammate Mel Profit toward the end, with Mike Eben joining the celebration. It would be Toronto and Calgary in the ’71 Grey Cup.

 
 
Ken McKee’s Toronto Star submission (above) from the second match. Photos (below) of coach Leo Cahill — first tormented and looking skyward… then triumphant, finally.

Coming in Part 2: the Toronto–Calgary Grey Cup, from my scrapbook.

EMAIL: HOWARDLBERGER@GMAIL.COM