Key Takeaways From the Maple Leafs’ Locker Clean-Out Press Conference

Yesterday, the Toronto Maple Leafs met the media after their 2025-26 season came to an end for their locker clean-out press conference. It was a day that no one wanted to come as early as it did, but after missing the playoff for the first time in a decade, it left fans guessing. In past seasons, there was a lot of discussion on them being eliminated from playoff contention too early. But yesterday, the talk was focused on their failure to make the playoffs and the direction of the team as they head into a reported retool.

There were a lot of big-name players that spoke, so here are some key takeaways from the locker clean-out press conference.

Matthews Speaks on Future

The biggest takeaway from the press conference was from their captain, Auston Matthews. He spoke to the media for the first time since that Radko Gudas hit, and his message was pretty clear. He and his team aren’t happy with their 32-36-14 record.

He also didn’t make excuses for why this team finished 28th in the league. He put the blame right on the players in the room and said the consistency just wasn’t there. He then talked about what everyone wants to know: his future. Here’s what he had to say:

“I can’t predict the future. There are steps that have to take place. They’ve got to hire new leadership in management. I don’t really know. I can’t really predict the future.”

This is his first time missing the playoffs, and while it clearly stings, it almost seemed like he was looking forward to recovering and getting back to training for next season. Obviously, there is a lot of talk about his future and if he will remain with the Maple Leafs’ organization. And although he likely should have said, “I want to be here long-term,” he did say:

“I love being the captain of this team. I think it’s an incredible honour to wake up every day and wear this jersey. And that’s not lost on me.”

In a market like Toronto, everything is under a microscope, and again, he did leave the door open for him to leave the organization. It did seem like his wait-and-see approach could be the best approach. Or else, he would have been no different than John Tavares when he left the New York Islanders and said he wanted to stay but then signed with the Maple Leafs. So, it may be a frowned-upon statement, but Matthews’ answer to his future is likely the right one. He addressed his love to play for Toronto but simply said he can’t predict the future.

Rielly Acknowledges What Future Could Hold

The other day before the Maple Leafs’ final home game, Morgan Rielly opened up about his future with the organization. He talked a lot about how he is aware of the future of the team and how it may differ from his, and he recognized that he may be approached again in regard to waiving his no-movement clause. Yesterday, it was much of the same.

He never wavered; he spoke on how much he loves playing for the Maple Leafs and would love to continue to. But at the same time, he knows there is going to be a conversation between him and the organization. However, this time he admitted he is more open to it.

“It’s a challenging thing to answer when those conversations haven’t happened yet,” Rielly said. “But after a year like this, after any year, but especially after one that can be very disappointing, change is bound to happen. 

“So I think, as an athlete, you have to be prepared for that. It’s not the first time that it’s crossed my mind; that’s not something that anyone believes that they’re not open to. So when that conversation happens, we’ll deal with it accordingly.”

This is the first time that Rielly has been this candid about change happening, which could include him. If this points to anything, it’s that he could be more open to waiving his clause and joining another organization. Which ultimately would give the Maple Leafs more cap space to improve their roster this summer.

Overall Messaging Was Clear

Whether it was Matthew Knies, William Nylander, Craig Berube, Chris Tanev, or Tavares, the messaging was clear. They didn’t play well enough, they didn’t play hard enough, and they didn’t buy into the coaches’ systems. However, the main takeaway was this team dealt with too many injuries, which hindered their ability to get on track, and they fell behind fast.

They all admitted that they need to be better and will be. Unfortunately, it won’t be until next season, and that could come with a new coach. While Berube did mention that he expects to be back, there will be a new management group, which could mean a new coach. However, the majority of players did voice their support for Berube and how good of a coach he is. The only one who didn’t necessarily mention that was Nylander. But, at the same time, he didn’t really mention much; he only spoke for a minute and a half. Which has fans wondering if that means he is on his way out of town or if it was just him being his typical self.

Rapid Fire Takeaways

Lastly, a few key takeaways from the press conference are the following:

• Every player who spoke was asked if they feel this team can rebound and get back to the postseason. They all said yes without hesitation. Although expected, it’s still great to hear.
• It sounds like Nylander, Tavares, and Rielly all could join their respective countries at the 2026 World Championships.
• Some other players that could head to the Worlds are Joseph Woll, Knies, and Nicholas Robertson. Younger players who would have the chance to play big minutes with other NHL players.
• Woll elected to not talk about his leave of absence at the start of the season.
• Tanev will be ready to go for next season. He’s healing well from his surgery.
• Anthony Stolarz confirmed it was a groin strain that he suffered against the Washington Capitals.
• Calle Jarnkrok was asked to speak but declined. There was a belief that he was heading to Sweden to play next season. However, recent reports have contradicted that.
• Knies spoke on his name being involved in trade rumours. He said it’s not a compliment, but rather “a crappy thing.” He doubled down on how much he loves Toronto and wants to stay here.