Getty Toronto Maple Leafs forward Auston Matthews A major 2026 offseason storyline for the Maple Leafs is the future of captain Auston Matthews in Toronto. The failed 2025-26 season, plus the lack of certitude moving forward, has spurred all sorts of trade rumors and speculation. During his end-of-season media availability, Matthews was clear about his inability to “ predict the future .” The politically correct response showed just how much the 28-year-old wanted to skirt a definitive response.