Matthews credits Chayka for making ‘some great changes’ to Maple Leafs
Toronto Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews has expressed support for the team's recent roster and management changes under new GM John Chayka. Despite a difficult previous season, Matthews is optimistic about the team's new additions and coaching staff as they begin training camp.
Why it matters
The Maple Leafs are a high-profile NHL franchise, and the performance of their star player is critical to the team's success and the city's sports culture.
TORONTO — Auston Matthews needed some room to breathe. The Maple Leafs were picking up the pieces following their worst season in a decade — and his career. A transformative summer was on the horizon. Now having watched those seismic shifts across the organization from afar, Toronto's captain is all-in ahead of the new season. Matthews spoke to the media Wednesday as the Original Six franchise opened training camp with physicals, and gave general manager John Chayka a thumbs up after his frantic 19-week sprint since taking charge in May. "My intent was always to be here," said the star centre, who has two years left on his contract. "The way things finished last year — (former GM Brad Treliving) gets fired before the season's over, there's a lot of incoming change — you never really know who's coming in, what their plan is, what they think.
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