Chris Johnston

But other than that, most of this year, they have not looked the part of what they expect to be, which they started this season thinking they're a contender.

I think the truth is staring them in the face.

Maybe they can save it here and change some minds with a hot finish right before the Olympic break or what have you.

But honestly, I think if we're being honest, they have to be looking towards at least a soft little retool, maybe add some of those assets you're talking about, Hayes, and not with the idea they're blowing everything up, but just basically taking a small step back with an idea of trying to take a few forward starting next year.

Well, I mean, look, I can only go on the history.

First of all, I think there's an active dialogue between Austin Matthew, his agent, the team.

Like, I don't sense any issues there.

And this guy signed a year out the last time he could have been a UFA.

Even when he was coming in an RFA, like, they got that deal done well in advance.

As much as I think people wanted to link his birthplace and just assume he wants to play other places, I just think the history shows that's not the case.

He's mid-career, though, now.

He's where McDavid is, except McDavid's been to the last two cup finals and not won.

But he's got to the point where, yeah, he's won an MVP.

He's won some goal-scoring titles.

He wants to win the Stanley Cup.

And so I think as long as he feels like he's on a path where that's a possibility for him in Toronto, I don't think there's going to be an issue.

Again, this season is not great for anybody.

The Leafs did not expect to find themselves here.

That's from ownership to Keith Pelley to Brad True Living to Austin Matthews and everyone else in that roster, Craig Berube.

But I just think that they may, especially if this...