Maple Leafs get bad news on their future with Auston Matthews originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.If Toronto Maple Leafs fans were hoping that the Auston Matthews rumors would quiet down sooner rather than later -- well, you're out of luck.It's going to be among the most rampant speculation of the entire offseason.The latest buzz came in a new article by The Athletic's Chris Johnston on Tuesday."Matthews has two years remaining on his contract, but still isnt sure if hell be back in Toronto in the fall, according to league sources," Johnston writes.MORE:Sabres' storybook season is real, and Stanley Cup dreams are validThat obviously seems to leave the door open for all sorts of possibilities in the trade market.Johnston's language doesn't make it immediately clear whether it's Matthews who wants out or whether it's Toronto's new front office that will consider all the possibilities."For Matthews, set to celebrate his 29th birthday in September, there are some understandable concerns about the direction things are headed," Johnston writes. "Athletes have finite careers and hes never been further from the Stanley Cup. And while Chayka intends to pick the brain of the franchises all-time goals leader in short order, its safe to say the new GM might not like everything he hears when that happens."Matthews didn't have his best season in 2025-26, but to be fair, very few of the Maple Leafs did.They need a reset, and some improvements, and simply some changes to put a different product on the ice."The only sales pitch Matthews needs at this stage is real action, according to league sources," Johnston writes. "Before committing to another season in Toronto, he wants to see a roster that has been meaningfully upgraded through trades and free agency. This isnt about selling him on a fancy 12-point plan or a bunch of vague promises. Seeing is believing."MORE:Canadiens win a playoff game like none other in NHL historyThe Maple Leafs aren't getting Mitch Marner back, but they didn't replace him well last offseason.They have to get better, or they might get worse in a hurry if Matthews decides he's seen enough.More NHL news:The trade clock is ticking for Connor McDavidSabres relish in Ryan Whitney's prediction misfireSidney Crosby hints at retirement plansHow Avalanche won an absurd 9-6 playoff gameSabres' fans show they can handle 'O Canada' with no microphone help