Auston Matthews Announces Departure from Toronto Maple Leafs, Offers Terms of Recommendation
Toronto, ON — May 31, 2025
In a shocking turn of events, Toronto Maple Leafs’ franchise center Auston Matthews has officially announced his departure from the team that drafted him first overall in 2016. The 27-year-old, long seen as the face of the Maple Leafs’ modern era, made the announcement early Saturday morning via a personal statement released through his agent and social media platforms.
“After much consideration and countless conversations with my family, teammates, and trusted advisors, I have made the difficult decision to move on from the Toronto Maple Leafs,” Matthews wrote. “This city, this organization, and the fans have given me everything over the past nine years, and I am forever grateful.”
Matthews’ exit marks the end of a significant chapter for both the player and the team. During his tenure with the Leafs, Matthews earned multiple accolades, including the Hart Memorial Trophy, Rocket Richard Trophy (twice), and five All-Star selections. He also became the fastest player in franchise history to score 300 goals and served as an alternate captain for most of his career in Toronto.
While the announcement came as a surprise, perhaps more unexpected were Matthews’ public recommendations to the Maple Leafs’ management on the team’s future direction. In his statement, Matthews didn’t mince words, offering a candid assessment of what he believes the organization needs to do to succeed.
“Toronto deserves a championship team. To get there, I believe the franchise must commit to building a culture of accountability, bolster defensive depth, and invest in developing young talent rather than relying solely on star power,” Matthews wrote. “I say this not in criticism, but with deep love and respect for a place I will always call a second home.”
Matthews also praised many of his former teammates, including Mitch Marner, Morgan Rielly, and William Nylander, calling them “elite competitors and friends for life,” while urging management to support their continued growth with structural changes.
Maple Leafs General Manager Brad Treliving issued a brief statement in response: “Auston has been an exceptional player and person for this organization. While we are disappointed to see him go, we appreciate his honest feedback and wish him nothing but the best in the next chapter of his career.”
Speculation is already swirling about Matthews’ next destination, with several teams reportedly expressing interest, including the Los Angeles Kings, New York Rangers, and Seattle Kraken. Sources close to the situation say Matthews is looking for a “stable, winning environment with a clear vision.”
As Leafs Nation comes to terms with the news, fans have taken to social media to thank Matthews for his years of dedication. Murals, tribute videos, and heartfelt messages flooded Twitter and Instagram within hours of his announcement.
Matthews concluded his statement with a message that resonated across the hockey world: “Toronto, thank you for believing in me. I gave everything I had every night. And while I may be skating elsewhere next season, a part of my heart will always remain here.”
Whether his departure marks a reset for the Leafs or a renaissance for Matthews elsewhere, one thing is clear: the NHL landscape just shifted in a major way.
