Why Auston Matthews is still a Toronto Maple Leaf

The last time Auston Matthews addressed local reporters at the Toronto Maple Leafs ’ west-side headquarters — one month removed from a season-ending knee injury and two years away from unrestricted free agency — the captain dropped a quote that hung over the fanbase like an ominous raincloud on a summer day.

Well, the organization he represents has undergone wholesale changes between the captain’s trips to the podium.

Enter an aggressive new GM; a familiar and offensively minded new head coach and legendary power-play coach; one of the scariest point bombs in the league; a longtime pal and complementary forward who can skate top-six; a starting goaltender bound for the Hall of Fame; and, of course, the club’s first No. 1 draftee since Matthews and most talented setup man since the last one skipped town.