Why Auston Matthews Will Leave the Toronto Maple Leafs

Better Opportunity for Success

Matthews is a competitor. Not only does he want individual accolades but also team success. In his opinion, he may not have the right collection of players surrounding him in Toronto to make that happen.

If Matthews believes that he has a better chance of winning a championship with another team, he may be swayed to join them instead.

It would be foolish to believe that Matthews doesn’t pay attention to the landscape of the league. He knows how teams are trending. He could be looking at joining a franchise that looks like it is on the doorstep of claiming a Stanley Cup.

Financial considerations

Matthews is one of the best players in the NHL and he will be paid as such. There’s no doubt that the Leafs are ready to cut some massive cheques. However, there are some things other teams can offer that Toronto cannot.

All NHL clubs pay their players in US currency so that doesn’t factor in. The cost of living may. It’s not cheap for Matthews’ home base to be in Toronto. From real estate to the cost of food, he could be saving and investing much more elsewhere.

There are also far more favorable spots to save on the income taxes he needs to pay. If Matthews wanted to reduce what he gives back to the government, he may be considering a move to Florida where the tax rate is far lower.