Media member believes Auston Matthews will follow Johnny Gaudreau's path and leave in free agency

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Ryan
July 18, 2022 (12:38)

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After Johnny Gaudreau did just as John Tavares did a few years ago and left his team high and dry in free agency to move closer to home, he has been receiving a lot of criticism amongst the media and fans, especially since Gaudreau left millions on the table with the Flames who offered him a longer and higher contract than what he signed for with the Blue Jackets.

Could we see karma hit the Leafs though and see the same thing by done by Auston Matthews when he becomes a free agent?

Auston Matthews is entering year 4 of a 5 year deal that Kyle Dubas signed him to with the Maple Leafs and something that was a rather poor decision by Dubas is that this deal walks Matthews straight to being an Unrestricted Free Agent. When this 5 year deal was signed, fans were furious as they could possibly lose Matthews, and if he leaves after next season, fans will never let the Maple Leafs live it down.

According to Michael Traikos, it is actually very possible that Matthews leaves Toronto for a team closer to home like the LA Kings, San Jose Sharks, Anaheim Ducks or if he enjoys the offseason off, Arizona Coyotes.

According to Traikos, the decision will come down to where Matthews believes he is able to win a cup. During the Matthews era, the Maple Leafs have not been able to make it past the first round, even after back to back years of having the chance to close out a series, just to lose 3 straight to Montreal and 2 straight to Tampa.

With so much money committed to the top 4 in Toronto, they have limited space to sign the depth players that we've seen play such a crucial role in winning Cups on previous victorious teams.

So, will Matthews go somewhere at the end of his deal that gives him a better chance to win?