Leafs: Ignore Rumors Claiming Auston Matthews Won’t Enter 2016 Draft
By Paul Taylor
Despite speculation to the contrary, the Leafs and the other Canadian teams will get their chance at selecting Auston Matthews in this year’s draft.
Toronto Maple Leafs fans have no doubt heard the recent speculation surrounding Auston Matthews. The rumor centres around the idea he could re-sign with the ZSC Lions next season.
Apparently, the San Francisco, California native is considering this move, so as to avoid the increasing likelihood he will be drafted by a Canadian team in June. The theory goes that he would prefer to wait another year to improve his odds of playing for a team in America, give that this is his birthplace.
However, Bob McKenzie has declared there is no credence to this whatsoever. As the TSN hockey analyst explained, Matthews wants to be the number one overall draft pick, and won’t jeopardize this for the sake of geography or coming across as petulant.
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McKenzie spoke to Matthews’ agent, Pat Brisson, who responded with a “really?” and a laugh, before confirming, “no truth”. While agents aren’t always the most upfront and honest of characters, there appears to be no reason to disbelieve Brisson.
With the probability of no Canadian teams making the playoffs, having this year’s number one prospect head North of the Border, would be a much-needed boost to morale. As things stand, there is a 70 percent chance of Matthews ending up in this country.
Obviously, the Leafs will be hoping they can win the NHL draft lottery, to secure the services of the centre. They are already making provisional plans in the event he comes to Toronto, with rumors indicating his arrival will all but guarantee Nazem Kadri or Tyler Bozak is moved.
For now though, all Mike Babcock‘s team can do is put themselves in the best possible position in the standings and wait. Even there, there are no guarantees they will be as lucky as the Edmonton Oilers were last season, when they managed to land Connor McDavid.
Next: Drafting Matthews will signal end of Kadri or Bozak in Toronto
Do you put any credence in the rumor surrounding Auston Matthews, or have you always believed it to have no substance? Furthermore, if he ends up in Toronto, how much does he accelerate the Leafs rebuild, if at all? Let us know in the comments section below.