Media member claims Auston Matthews plans to follow in Gaudreau's footsteps and leave Toronto
There has been a lot of criticism of Johnny Gaudreau for his decision to leave the Flames and move closer to his home. It's very similar criticism to that which was received by John Tavares when he made a similar decision. Now could Auston Matthews be in a similar situation?
When Kyle Dubas signed Matthews to a 5-year contract everyone noted it walked Matthews to the earliest date for unrestricted free agency possible. Fans were furious with the deal and in 2 years they could be even more upset.
According to Michael Traikos it's very possible that Matthews considers leaving Toronto for Los Angeles, San Jose, Anaheim or Arizona. 3 of the 4 locations are within 2 hours of his home and the other is home.
Traikos believes that the final decision will come down to where Matthews is most likely to win a Stanley Cup. Given the off-season the Maple Leafs have had, it's not hard to see, Kyle Dubas and his commitment to the Core 4 has negatively impacted the Leafs and their ability to compete in the stacked Atlantic. Especially from a depth perspective.
| POLL | ||
JUILLET 18 | 1342 ANSWERS Media member claims Auston Matthews plans to follow in Gaudreau's footsteps and leave Toronto Where will Auston Matthews play on 2 years? | ||
| Toronto | 507 | 37.8 % |
| Arizona | 253 | 18.9 % |
| Los Angeles | 367 | 27.3 % |
| Other | 215 | 16 % |
| List of polls | ||
![Feb 20, 2025; Boston, MA, USA; [Imagn Images direct customers only] Team Canada forward Mitch Marner (16) warms up prior to the during the first periodau- during the 4 Nations Face-Off ice hockey championship game at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-Imagn Images](https://i.marqueur.com/habsetlnh/medium/531807.webp "Feb 20, 2025; Boston, MA, USA; [Imagn Images direct customers only] Team Canada forward Mitch Marner (16) warms up prior to the during the first periodau- during the 4 Nations Face-Off ice hockey championship game at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-Imagn Images")
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