As the Toronto Maple Leafs gear up for another high-stakes season, all eyes are on captain Auston Matthews—and not just for his play on the ice.

In a move that has already sent shockwaves through the hockey world, Matthews recently delivered a bold ultimatum to the Toronto media, drawing a line in the sand when it comes to questions about former teammate Mitch Marner.

With preseason games underway and the regular roster focused on recovery and preparation, the team is quietly working to put last year’s disappointments behind them.

Yet, beneath the surface, tensions linger, and Matthews’ pointed comments have only fueled speculation about the mood inside the Leafs’ locker room.

Is this the start of a new, distraction-free era for Toronto? Or are there unresolved issues that could resurface as the season progresses?

As Matthews sets a clear deadline for the media and doubles down on his commitment to leading the team forward, fans and critics alike are left wondering what’s really driving the captain’s no-nonsense attitude—and what it could mean for the Maple Leafs’ future.

The answers may surprise you, but one thing is certain: this season promises to be anything but ordinary.

Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews

Photo credit: Toronto Maple Leafs – X

Auston Matthews laid it out for the Toronto media on Sunday, stating that any talk of Mitch Marner is finished, and gave them clear instructions.

As the ‘B’ team of the Maple Leafs take the ice in Ottawa for their first preseason game against the Senators, the regular group are back home skating and preparing for the 2025 season.

While they are going through the injury bug, it seems that slowly but surely they are getting themselves back to full health, though some lingering problems remain.

For Auston Matthews, who has injury concerns and questions himself, he’s all focused on not only making sure his team repeats a division title, but is able to move into a new era as smoothly as possible.

What Matthews Told the Media During Camp Availability

A lot of that is moving on from Mitch Marner and while the team certainly has, there are always going to be what ifs and questions of what could have been.

For the captain though, he’s sick of it and much like Craig Berube wants nothing more to do with the former Leaf star.

Speaking to reporters on Sunday, he gave them and everyone an ultimatum and laid down the law when it comes to bringing up his old teammate:

You got two more weeks, and then we’re done with these questions.

While he was a bit more gracious with the deadline than Berube was, it is clear that Matthews wants no distractions heading into this season, especially concerning players who don’t matter to the team anymore.

If anyone has a chip on their shoulders this season it’s the captain, as he’s coming off one of his worst offensive years and multiple IR stints, never looking really comfortable on the ice.

While he did manage 78 points in 67 games, he was a shell of his former self and his 33 career goals was a nightmarish drop from the record-breaking 69 he had in 2023-24.

So if you’re a reporter in the Toronto media, it’s best that you get your Marner inquiries in fast.

If not, don’t be surprised if Matthews brushes you off, much like he’s brushed off his old teammate.

Seemingly once and for all.