Toronto Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews has reportedly signaled his willingness to remain with the team for training camp, contingent on the organization making roster upgrades during the 2026 offseason.
The update comes from TSN analyst Darren Dreger, who shared the insight on Thursday.
Speculation about Matthews' future has grown after the 2025-26 NHL season ended below expectations.
With two years left on his contract, the pressure is on management to deliver a competitive turnaround.
According to Dreger, there is a growing sense that Matthews is more than willing to report to camp.
However, he hopes—and perhaps expects—that the team will be better.
The desired improvements align with the franchise's long-term retention goals.
Toronto holds a key advantage in its rebuilding phase: the number one overall pick in the 2026 NHL Draft.
Securing top prospect Gavin McKenna is expected to provide an immediate boost. Further moves via free agency and trades will determine if the front office meets Matthews' expectations.
