Simmons Questions Maple Leafs' Future with Auston Matthews as Captain
Before the Toronto Maple Leafs make any major decisions about their roster, coaching staff, or management, they face a critical question: what exactly do they have in their captain, Auston Matthews? According to columnist Steve Simmons, the team must determine whether investing in Matthews for the next two seasons is worthwhile or if it's time to explore trading him elsewhere.
Matthews' Performance Compared to NHL Superstars
Superstars in the NHL have a transformative impact on their teams, as seen with players like Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl in Edmonton, Nathan MacKinnon and Cale Makar in Colorado, and Nikita Kucherov in Tampa Bay. However, Simmons points out that this season, Matthews and William Nylander have not demonstrated that same level of influence in Toronto.
McDavid leads the league with 30 multi-point games, showcasing his ability to change games single-handedly. Kucherov has 29, MacKinnon has 29, and Draisaitl has 22. In contrast, Matthews ranks 47th in the NHL with just 12 multi-point games, despite being the second-highest-paid player. His goal-scoring prowess is notable, but MacKinnon leads with 13 multi-goal games, while Matthews has only three, tying him for 33rd place.
The Leafs have Matthews under contract for two more years at a top-tier salary, making him not only their captain but also their most crucial asset. Nylander is signed for six more years. Combined, Matthews and Nylander have 28 multi-point games this season, whereas McDavid and Draisaitl have 52, highlighting a significant gap in production.
Roster Challenges and Trade Considerations
With 14 players already signed for next season, many with no-trade clauses and long-term deals, restructuring the roster is a complex puzzle. Simmons suggests that any overhaul must start at the top, with Matthews, whose future in Toronto remains uncertain after a decade with the team.
Among other considerations, Simmons notes that GM Brad Treliving should discuss a potential trade with defenceman Morgan Rielly, who is signed for four more seasons. However, the Leafs are heavily scouted, making it difficult to get significant value in return. Simmons also mentions trading free agent Bobby McMann for futures and re-signing him, and praises Matthew Knies and Oliver Ekman-Larsson as the only players living up to their contracts this season.
Broader NHL Insights and Observations
Simmons shares various insights across the NHL, including the exclusion of Cole Caufield from the U.S. Olympic team, Hart Trophy candidates like McDavid and Kucherov, and Patrick Kane's achievement as the all-time American point-getter. He debates the best American players, listing Brian Leetch and Pat LaFontaine above Kane, and includes Matthews in his top 10.
He also comments on the tight Eastern Conference standings, the impact of Chris Tanev's absence on the Leafs' playoff chances, and players like Jeremy Swayman attending the Olympics opening ceremony. Simmons predicts that Zach Hyman and Evan Bouchard should make the Canadian Olympic team based on current performance.
Other Sports and Media Commentary
Simmons criticizes the Pro Football Hall of Fame for not electing Bill Belichick in his first year of eligibility, comparing it to his own voting process for the Baseball Hall of Fame. He notes Sam Darnold's Super Bowl appearance ahead of higher-profile quarterbacks and discusses the NFL's evolving coaching dynamics.
He reflects on the decline of sports coverage in outlets like the Washington Post and The Globe and Mail, and shares personal anecdotes from covering Super Bowls, including the controversial 2015 Seahawks-Patriots game. Simmons also touches on Canadian pride in celebrities like Catherine O'Hara, Raptors' Scottie Barnes as defensive player of the year, and the wide-open NHL Eastern Conference, where teams like the Panthers and Leafs still hope for playoff success.
In closing, Simmons praises Novak Djokovic's Australian Open victory, mentions HBO's deal for the series Heated Rivalry, and highlights Canadian quarterback Tre Ford's free agency potential. He notes the challenge for Team Canada in Olympic hockey and the Blue Jays' need to replace Bo Bichette's hits, ending with birthday shoutouts to various sports figures.
